Question

In both _ and _ cells, multiple ribosomes may be attached to a single _RNA, generating a structure called a ___.

Answer 1

In both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, multiple ribosomes can be attached to a single mRNA, generating a structure called a polyribosome or polysome, which enhances the efficiency of protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells can have multiple ribosomes attached to a single mRNA strand, generating a structure called a polyribosome or polysome. During this process, each mRNA molecule is simultaneously translated by many ribosomes, all synthesizing proteins in the same direction: from the 5' to the 3' end of the mRNA, and from the N-terminus to the C-terminus of the polypeptide. In prokaryotic cells such as E. coli, the transcription and translation can occur concurrently, contributing to the formation of polyribosomes. This is because these processes occur in the cytoplasm and do not involve RNA processing. However, in eukaryotic cells, polyribosomes form only after the RNA synthesis is complete and the RNA molecule is fully processed and transported out of the nucleus.