Small subunit

The small subunit is a part of a larger molecular machine called the ribosome, which builds proteins in cells. Think of the ribosome like a factory: it has two main components, a small one and a large one. The small subunit's job is to identify and read the genetic instructions carried by RNA. It helps position the genetic code correctly so the ribosome can assemble a sequence of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Without the small subunit, the ribosome couldn't accurately interpret genetic information to produce the proteins essential for life.