Which of the following ribosome sizes is characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are characterized by their ribosomes having a sedimentation coefficient of 70S. This value is derived from the combined sizes of the two subunits of the ribosome: the large subunit (50S) and the small subunit (30S). The 70S ribosome is essential for protein synthesis in prokaryotes, playing a crucial role in translating mRNA into proteins.

In contrast, the ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells are typically larger, with a sedimentation coefficient of 80S, which consists of a large subunit (60S) and a small subunit (40S). This distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes is significant, especially in the context of antibiotic development, as certain antibiotics can specifically target bacterial ribosomes without affecting those of eukaryotic cells. Therefore, understanding the characteristic 70S ribosomes in prokaryotes is fundamental in both microbiology and the development of therapeutic strategies.