What is the main function of ribosome in a cell?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Protein synthesis

Explanation:

Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins and are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Ribosomes can be free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER) in eukaryotic cells.

Ribosomes facilitate the process of translation, where they decode messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids into proteins with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA). This process is essential for cell growth, repair, and function.

Information Booster:

● Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
● In prokaryotic cells (bacteria), ribosomes are 70S (50S + 30S subunits).
● In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes are 80S (60S + 40S subunits).
● Ribosomes are either free in the cytoplasm (for internal protein synthesis) or attached to rough ER (for export proteins).
● The process of protein synthesis includes transcription (in the nucleus) and translation (by ribosomes).

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) DNA replication: Incorrect; DNA replication occurs in the nucleus (eukaryotes) or nucleoid (prokaryotes) and is carried out by enzymes like DNA polymerase.
• (b) Energy production: Incorrect; Mitochondria (in eukaryotes) and cell membrane (in prokaryotes) are responsible for ATP production, not ribosomes.
• (c) Lipid synthesis: Incorrect; Lipids are synthesized in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), not by ribosomes.