Ribosome
A ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA. Ribosomes are found in every living cell.
How big is it?
25 nm · characteristic size
Characteristic size · representative
A little perspective
Ribosome vs IgG antibody molecule: length comparison
The characteristic size of a ribosome is about 1.72 times the maximum molecular span of an IgG antibody molecule.
A ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA.
An IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Ribosome
Characteristic size: 25 nm; representative.
A chosen 25 nm ribosome. Size depends on organism and subunit state.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
IgG antibody molecule
Representative maximum molecular span: 14.5 nm; representative model; range 13 nm–16 nm.
A representative immunoglobulin G molecule about 14.5 nm across its maximum projected Y-shaped span. Protein conformation is flexible and the illustration is a molecular surface model, not a hard-edged object.
RCSB Protein Data Bank — Antibody structure
The marked representative maximum molecular span is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 25 nm
We compare the characteristic size of a ribosome. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary.
A chosen 25 nm ribosome. Size depends on organism and subunit state.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 nm | Not recorded | representative |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsIgG antibody molecule14.5 nmRepresentative maximum molecular spanAn IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsVirus100 nmCharacteristic sizeA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- University of Utah — Cell size and scaleApproximate biological size regimes. Atlas specimens and geometric assumptions are individually labelled.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Fundamental physicsProton1.682 fmA proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of atoms, made up of quarks.
MicroscopicCell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
PeopleHair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.MicroscopicIgG antibody molecule14.5 nmAn IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
MicroscopicInfluenza virion100 nmAn influenza virion is a single infectious particle of the influenza virus, consisting of genetic material inside a lipid envelope.
MicroscopicBacteriophage T4200 nmBacteriophage T4 is a virus that infects bacteria.
MicroscopicDNA double helix2 nmDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.