What type of ribosomes do prokaryotes possess?

Prokaryotes possess 70s ribosomes, which are a critical component of their cellular machinery for protein synthesis. The designation "70s" refers to the sedimentation coefficient of the ribosomal subunits, indicating how they behave in a centrifuge based on their size and shape.

In prokaryotes, ribosomes are composed of two subunits: a smaller 30s subunit and a larger 50s subunit. When combined, these subunits form the functional ribosome, which has an overall sedimentation rate of 70s. This is significant as it contrasts with the ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells, which are larger, consisting of 80s ribosomes composed of 40s and 60s subunits.

Understanding the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes is important in microbiology, particularly in the development of antibiotics. Many antibiotics target the prokaryotic ribosome specifically, inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria without affecting eukaryotic cells. This selective inhibition is crucial for treating bacterial infections while minimizing harm to human cells.