Question

Solve the following questions:
1 Which type of ribosomes are found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
2 Name two nucleic acid present in a cell. What are their functions?
3 What will happen if RBC is placed in a hypotonic solution?

Answer 1

1) Prokaryotes have 70s [subunits are 50S and 30S] ribosome; Eukaryotes have 80s [subunits are 60s and 40s] ribosome.

1) The 70s refers to the rate of sedimentation of the ribosome in a centrifuge. The "S" is a unit of measurement called the Svedberg unit. Ribosomes contain two subunits.(Notice that 30 + 50 = 80 and not 70. Remember this is not size and the rate of sedimentation is less when the subunits are bound then when they are separated.)
2) DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic acid).
Function: DNA is basically a string of genes and regulate all the activities of the cell.RNA is what converts the information in the DNA into proteins.
3) If RBC is placed in hypotonic solution, the cell will swell and burst.
Explanation : A hypotonic solution is a solution with low concentration compared to the cell concentration. In order to attain equilibrium, the solvent will move from lower concentration to higher concentration. As a result, the solvent will move into the cell and cell will swell.