What type of ribosome is found in prokaryotic cells?

In prokaryotic cells, the ribosomes are classified as 70s ribosomes, which are composed of two subunits: a smaller 30s subunit and a larger 50s subunit. The 's' stands for Svedberg units, which measure the sedimentation rate during centrifugation and indicate the size and density of the ribosomal components.

This 70s ribosome is crucial for protein synthesis in prokaryotes, as it is responsible for translating mRNA into proteins. The smaller size and structure of prokaryotic ribosomes, compared to the 80s ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells, allow for differences in the targeting of antibiotics and other treatments. The distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes is vital in microbiology, as it provides targets for selective antimicrobial therapies that can inhibit bacterial protein synthesis without affecting human cells.

The other options, 80s, 60s, and 90s ribosomes, do not appropriately describe the ribosomal structure in prokaryotes. The 80s ribosomes, found in eukaryotic cells, consist of a 40s small subunit and a 60s large subunit.