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🔬 Biology  ·  Cell: The Unit of Life  ·  NEET

In the ribosome names 70S and 80S, 'S' stands for:

Answer: Svedberg sedimentation unit.

  • A Its size in nanometres
  • B Svedberg sedimentation unit
  • C The number of subunits
  • D Its total surface area

Correct answer: B. Svedberg sedimentation unit

Explanation: 'S' is the Svedberg unit, a measure of sedimentation rate in a centrifuge. Because it depends on shape and mass, the values are not additive (50S + 30S = 70S).

Labeled diagram of an animal cell showing nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and other organelles

Animal cell structure with major organelles labeled. Image: LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Concept context

Cell theory, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells, organelles and their functions. Foundation of all biology.

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