Nida and Jube's Organelle Campaign Op-Ed

Nucleus and Ribosomes for President and Vice President

Do not hesitate to vote me for president of the cell. I make sure the cell is constantly working in an efficient manner so that all of the organelles are always on task. Assuredly, my job is to make sure the cell operates smoothly. I am the nucleus. I work to provide protein making instructions and maintain organization throughout the cell. I am the biggest organelle because I keep the cell running. Essentially, I should be elected as president of the cell because I make sure the cell functions in a healthy manner. Undoubtedly, all parts of the cell must work together in order to carry out the daily functions of life. However, without me, there would be no blueprint for the cell. The organelles would wander aimlessly without instruction from me. In case there is any misunderstanding as to my importance in the cell, I will briefly summarize my purpose. I am separated from the other organelles by the cytoplasm, and I am surrounded by a nuclear envelope. There are pores located in my double membrane which allow me to let large macromolecules and messenger RNA to pass through. In addition, I hold the cell’s DNA, the genetic material of the cell. The DNA is made up of chromatin which is essential for gene expression. When the cell prepares to divide in processes such as mitosis, chromosomes form. In essence, I control the reproduction of the DNA. Hence, without me, genetic material would not be passed on to successive generations. Furthermore, I am the site RNA synthesis. The nucleolus within me allows for the mass production of rRNA. Essentially ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA and protein so I work to make sure that there are enough ribosomal subunits of rRNA and protein. The nucleolus helps to ensure this production. It reads the rRNA (ribosomal) sequence, translates it, and then it uses it to build protein. The tRNA then comes in to link the corresponding amino acids to form nucleotide base pairs. The ribosomes and the nucleus work well together to ensure proper production of both DNA and RNA.

 Undoubtedly, a vice president should provide the basis for performance and function throughout the cell. The vice president should contribute to a stable, fully functioning organism. I, the Ribosome, am here to ensure you all that you will never be dissatisfied with me as I work routinely in a structured manner to produce protein in each of your cells. I work collaboratively with the Nucleus to ensure proper protein production. In fact, I am the site of protein production. I contain rRNA and proteins, and I am composed of large subunits as well as a small subunits that combine to carry out protein synthesis. I exist freely in the cytoplasm until I receive the mRNA message from the Nucleus for DNA translation. When I receive it, I pair it immediately. Furthermore, some ribosomes attach to organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, and that is where I sometimes combine to form bound ribosomes. Organisms have different sized ribosomes but we all have similar structures and perform the same function of translation. Essentially, translation leads to protein synthesis by creating a chain of amino acids linked together by polypeptide bonds. These subunits exist separately in the cytoplasm until the small subunit recognizes and binds to specific parts of an mRNA sequence to make a larger subunit and form a complete ribosome. Ribosomes structure allows the mRNA message to be translated by holding mRNA and tRNA molecules in the right place at right time. Each tRNA carries specific amino acids, and I am responsible for matching the correct tRNA base to the corresponding mRNA base. This allows for genetic material to be translated. My work with the nucleus is extremely influential, and I hope that you make the right decisions at the polls!  Remember to me vote me, the Ribosome,  a revolutionary component of the cell, for vice president of the cell.

The Nucleus and I are workers that work diligently for only you! Without our help, your essential proteins would be non-existent, and your DNA would not be secured. We are able to secure your genetic material so that it can be passed down to offspring. To add, our combined efforts allow for smooth processes to occur. We work together to translate rna to make protein which allows all cells to carry out their day to day activities.

The choice is clear, and all you have left to do is vote!

Works Cited:

Photos: "Center for the Molecular Biology of RNA." RNA Center : Ribosome Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

"In Hip-hop's Atomic Structure, I Am the Nucleus." Genius. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

"Vote for Glenn Grothman." Glenn Grothman for Congress. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

Content: "Center for the Molecular Biology of RNA." RNA Center : Ribosome Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

"In Hip-hop's Atomic Structure, I Am the Nucleus." Genius. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

"The Parts of the Cell." The Nucleus of the Cell and Related Organelles. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2014.

"Vote for Glenn Grothman." Glenn Grothman for Congress. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.