What is the primary function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, making this choice the correct answer. They facilitate the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. This process occurs in two primary steps: transcription and translation. During transcription, the genetic code from DNA is copied to mRNA in the nucleus, and then the mRNA is transported to the ribosomes. Once at the ribosome, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the appropriate amino acids, which are linked together in the order specified by the mRNA, thus forming a protein.

Ribosomes can be found either free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, and both locations indicate their role in synthesizing proteins destined for various functions in the cell or for export outside the cell. Given their primary responsibility in assembling protein chains as dictated by the genetic instructions, ribosomes are essential for cell function and structure, underscoring their importance in biology.