Yes, algae have ribosomes.
Algae possess ribosomes within their cells, including those found in their chloroplasts. These chloroplast ribosomes are particularly interesting because they share significant similarities with the ribosomes found in eubacteria, supporting the theory that chloroplasts originated from endosymbiotic cyanobacteria.
Ribosomes in Algae: Key Points
- Presence: Algae contain ribosomes.
- Location: Ribosomes are found throughout algal cells, including within chloroplasts.
- Chloroplast Ribosomes: The ribosomes inside chloroplasts are similar to those found in eubacteria. This similarity supports the endosymbiotic theory, which suggests that chloroplasts evolved from bacteria engulfed by early eukaryotic cells. According to provided context, "chloroplasts of plants and algae have ribosomes whose component RNAs and proteins are strikingly similar to those of eubacteria."
- Function: Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis.
Therefore, ribosomes are a fundamental component of algal cells, playing a crucial role in their cellular functions.