Practice question

Polysome concept describes multiple ribosomes translating simultaneously on single mRNA, observed as cluster of particles in electron micrographs and heavy fractions in sucrose gradients. The CSIR NET 2006 question tested this definition: string of ribosomes on one mRNA producing multiple copies of same polypeptide, increasing translational efficiency without extra transcription. Polysome profiling assesses translational status: stress or initiation inhibition shifts mRNAs from heavy polysomes to monosomes, indicating global control. Thus polysome reflects coordination of transcription and translation to meet cellular protein demand efficiently.