Describe the function of ribosomes in a cell.

Describe the function of ribosomes in a cell.

• A. To transport molecules within the cell
• B. To synthesize proteins from amino acids
• C. To generate cellular energy
• D. To store genetic material

Answer: (B)

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, which is essential for cell function and growth. They are the cellular machinery where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on the instructions encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA). This process, known as translation, occurs in two main steps: first, the ribosome binds to the mRNA and reads its sequence of codons, which correspond to specific amino acids. Then, it facilitates the joining of these amino acids into a polypeptide chain, eventually folding into a functional protein. Proteins produced by ribosomes serve a plethora of functions such as acting as enzymes, structural components, signaling molecules, and transport proteins within the cell or throughout the organism. Consequently, ribosomes are often referred to as the "protein factories" of the cell because of their pivotal role in translating genetic information into functional biological units. The other listed functions are carried out by different organelles or cellular components. Some transport proteins help move molecules, mitochondria generate cellular energy (ATP), and the nucleus stores genetic material (DNA). Therefore, the specific role of ribosomes in synthesizing proteins from amino acids aligns perfectly with their essential cellular function.

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, which is essential for cell function and growth. They are the cellular machinery where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on the instructions encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA). This process, known as translation, occurs in two main steps: first, the ribosome binds to the mRNA and reads its sequence of codons, which correspond to specific amino acids. Then, it facilitates the joining of these amino acids into a polypeptide chain, eventually folding into a functional protein.

Proteins produced by ribosomes serve a plethora of functions such as acting as enzymes, structural components, signaling molecules, and transport proteins within the cell or throughout the organism. Consequently, ribosomes are often referred to as the "protein factories" of the cell because of their pivotal role in translating genetic information into functional biological units.

The other listed functions are carried out by different organelles or cellular components. Some transport proteins help move molecules, mitochondria generate cellular energy (ATP), and the nucleus stores genetic material (DNA). Therefore, the specific role of ribosomes in synthesizing proteins from amino acids aligns perfectly with their essential cellular function.