Question

How are ribosomes different from other organelles?

Answer 1

Hint: In cell biology, cell organelles are specialized subunits present within the cell that perform specific functions, for example like, the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, etc. While ribosomes are minute particles found within all living cells.

Complete answer:
Ribosomes are unique macromolecular machines which are a multifaceted molecule consisting of RNA and associated proteins that function to synthesize proteins. They are found inside the cytoplasm of living cells. These structures translate the DNA code via messenger RNA (mRNA) into actual proteins that cells use for processes.
Ribosomes are different from other cell organelles because they have no membrane around them that separates them from other organelles, they consist of two subunits, and whenever they are producing certain proteins they can become membrane-bound to the endoplasmic reticulum, but they can also be free-floating while performing their function.

Ribosomes differences from organelles in details:
-Organelles have membranes, ribosomes do not- Cell organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes are enclosed by lipid membranes that separate them from other structures in the cell. Ribosomes live as free structures that float throughout the cytoplasm of the cell. They do not contain cell membranes which allow them to pick up translational RNA released from the nucleus and grasp onto the amino acids to produce protein chains.
-Ribosomes consist of two subunits: Ribosomes consist of two subunits, smaller units read the mRNA, and larger unit functions to link amino acids to form the protein chain. When ribosomes are not producing proteins these subunits are separated out. Most of the other organelles are larger than ribosomes and a cell can hold a few thousand ribosomes.
-Membrane-bound with endoplasmic reticulum: Ribosomes can become membrane-bound with the endoplasmic reticulum, an organelle that serves to package proteins to be transferred to other areas of the cell or for transporting outside the cell. These ribosomes attach to the endoplasmic reticulum to only one side and this region is known as the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
-Free-floating protein production: Free-floating ribosomes make proteins that are usually used in the cytoplasm of the cell. These free ribosomes are not different from bound ribosomes. Cells can even change the number of ribosomes required depending upon the protein production needs of the cell.

Note: Each ribosome has a large and small component that collectively forms a single unit. These units are composed of different ribosomal RNA molecules and dozens of proteins. They are micro-machines used for producing proteins.