The cellular structure responsible for ribosome production is the nucleolus , a distinct region within the cell nucleus. The nucleolus is the site where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes are transcribed, rRNA is processed, and ribosomal subunits are assembled by combining rRNA with ribosomal proteins. These ribosomal subunits are then exported to the cytoplasm, where they form functional ribosomes that carry out protein synthesis
. In summary:
- The nucleolus transcribes and processes rRNA.
- Ribosomal proteins, made in the cytoplasm, are imported into the nucleolus.
- Assembly of ribosomal subunits occurs in the nucleolus.
- Mature ribosomal subunits are exported to the cytoplasm for final assembly into active ribosomes
This process is essential for cellular protein production and is highly energy-intensive and tightly regulated
