Ribosomal subunits are the two distinct components that make up a ribosome, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. Each ribosome consists of a large subunit and a small subunit, which come together during the process of translation. These subunits are made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, and their sizes vary between different organisms, such as prokaryotes and eukaryotes. During protein synthesis, the small subunit binds to the messenger RNA (mRNA), while the large subunit facilitates the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. This collaboration ensures that the genetic information encoded in the mRNA is accurately translated into a specific protein, essential for various cellular functions.