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QuestionBiology

What are the differences between ribosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes? A. Eukaryotes have no ribosomes, but prokaryotes do. B. Prokaryotes have bigger ribosomes than eukaryotes. C. Prokaryotes have smaller ribosomes than eukaryotes. D. Prokaryotes have ribosomes, but eukaryotes lack them.
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this biology problem step by step, highlighting the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes.

Step 2:
: Understanding Ribosomes

Ribosomes are cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis in all living organisms. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have ribosomes, so options A and D are immediately incorrect.

Step 3:
: Ribosome Size Comparison

- Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S (Svedberg units) - Eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S - The "S" refers to the sedimentation rate during ultracentrifugation

Step 4:
: Detailed Ribosome Composition

- Prokaryotic ribosomes: * Smaller overall size * Composed of 30S and 50S subunits * Total size: 70S - Eukaryotic ribosomes: * Larger overall size * Composed of 40S and 60S subunits * Total size: 80S

Step 5:
: Analyzing the Answer Choices

- Option A is false: Both have ribosomes - Option B is false: Prokaryotes have smaller ribosomes - Option C is TRUE: Prokaryotes have smaller ribosomes compared to eukaryotes - Option D is false: Both have ribosomes

Final Answer

Prokaryotes have smaller ribosomes than eukaryotes.