The primary function of ribosomes is which of the following?

The primary function of ribosomes is which of the following?

• A. DNA replication
• B. Protein synthesis (translation)
• C. Lipid metabolism
• D. Vesicle transport

Answer: (B)

Ribosomes are the cellular machines that carry out protein synthesis by translating the genetic message in mRNA into a polypeptide chain. They read codons on mRNA and, with the help of tRNA bringing in the correct amino acids, link these amino acids together through peptide bonds to form a protein. This translation process can occur freely in the cytosol or on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, depending on the protein being produced. This function is distinct from other cellular roles: DNA replication is carried out by DNA polymerases, lipid metabolism involves enzymes in the smooth ER and other organelles, and vesicle transport relies on the endomembrane system including vesicles and the Golgi apparatus. In short, the primary job of ribosomes is to synthesize proteins.

Ribosomes are the cellular machines that carry out protein synthesis by translating the genetic message in mRNA into a polypeptide chain. They read codons on mRNA and, with the help of tRNA bringing in the correct amino acids, link these amino acids together through peptide bonds to form a protein. This translation process can occur freely in the cytosol or on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, depending on the protein being produced.

This function is distinct from other cellular roles: DNA replication is carried out by DNA polymerases, lipid metabolism involves enzymes in the smooth ER and other organelles, and vesicle transport relies on the endomembrane system including vesicles and the Golgi apparatus. In short, the primary job of ribosomes is to synthesize proteins.