What is the primary function of ribosomes?

What is the primary function of ribosomes?

• A. To store sugars
• B. To replicate DNA
• C. To synthesize proteins by translating mRNA.
• D. To transport proteins

Answer: (C)

Ribosomes are the cellular machines that translate genetic information into proteins. They read the messenger RNA sequence and bring in transfer RNAs carrying the correct amino acids. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, amino acids are linked by peptide bonds to form a growing polypeptide, which folds into a functional protein. The ribosome’s role in this process is central to gene expression, turning nucleotide sequences into the proteins that perform most cellular functions. Storing sugars is a job of carbohydrate molecules like glycogen or starch, not ribosomes. DNA replication is carried out by DNA polymerases and other replication proteins, not by ribosomes. Proteins are transported through the cell by vesicles and membranes, with transport machinery that handles targeting and trafficking after synthesis; the ribosome’s job is to synthesize the protein, not to physically transport it.

Ribosomes are the cellular machines that translate genetic information into proteins. They read the messenger RNA sequence and bring in transfer RNAs carrying the correct amino acids. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, amino acids are linked by peptide bonds to form a growing polypeptide, which folds into a functional protein. The ribosome’s role in this process is central to gene expression, turning nucleotide sequences into the proteins that perform most cellular functions.

Storing sugars is a job of carbohydrate molecules like glycogen or starch, not ribosomes. DNA replication is carried out by DNA polymerases and other replication proteins, not by ribosomes. Proteins are transported through the cell by vesicles and membranes, with transport machinery that handles targeting and trafficking after synthesis; the ribosome’s job is to synthesize the protein, not to physically transport it.