Biology · CELL THE UNIT OF LIFE

Ribosomes were discovered by George Palade in 1953 as dense ribonucleoprotein particles. In eukaryotic 80S and prokaryotic 70S ribosomes, what does the unit 'S' (Svedberg unit) fundamentally quantify?

The exact molecular mass of ribosomal proteins measured in Daltons.
The ratio of double-stranded RNA to histone proteins.
The speed of translation during polypeptide elongation.
Sedimentation coefficient, which indirectly serves as a measure of density and size.

Correct answer · Option 4

Sedimentation coefficient, which indirectly serves as a measure of density and size.

'S' stands for Svedberg unit, representing the sedimentation coefficient, which indirectly serves as a measure of density and size.