Molecular Evolution

Role of ribosome and mitochondria

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The ribosome is a complex molecular machine found within all living cells that serves as the site of biological protein synthesis (translation). Ribosomes link amino acids together in the order specified by messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. The ribosomes and associated molecules are also known as the  translational apparatus. The mitochondrion (plural mitochondria) is a double membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. Several characteristics make mitochondria unique. The number of mitochondria in a cell can vary widely by organism, tissue, and cell type.