Mitochondrial ribosome


Mitochondrial ribosome or mitoribosome is a protein complex that is active in mitochondria and functions as a riboprotein for translating mitochondrial mRNAs encoded in mtDNA. Mitoribosomes, like cytoplasmic ribosomes, consist of two subunits — large and small. However, the ratio of rRNA/protein is different from cytoplasmic ribosomes, mitoribosomes consist of several specific proteins and less rRNAs.

Function

Mitochondria contain around 1000 proteins in yeast and 1500 proteins in humans; however only 8 and 13 proteins are encoded in mitochondrial DNA in yeast and human, respectively. Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized via cytoplasmic ribosomes. Proteins that are the key components in the electron transport chain are translated in mitochondria.

Structure

mitoribosomes have small 28S and large 39S subunits, together forming a 55S mitoribosome.

Genes