What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

• A. To facilitate the storage of genetic information
• B. To assemble amino acids into proteins
• C. To produce fatty acids
• D. To catalyze enzymatic reactions

Answer: (B)

Ribosomes play a crucial role in protein synthesis by assembling amino acids into proteins. They serve as the cellular machinery where messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated into polypeptide chains, which ultimately fold into functional proteins. During the process of translation, ribosomes read the sequence of codons in the mRNA, matching them with the appropriate transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that carry specific amino acids. This assembly line process is essential for building proteins based on the genetic instructions encoded in DNA, which is transcribed into mRNA. The other options describe different functions that are not related to ribosomes. For instance, the storage of genetic information is primarily managed by DNA, while fatty acid production is associated with specific pathways in cellular metabolism rather than ribosomal function. Additionally, enzymatic reactions are catalyzed by enzymes themselves, which are often proteins synthesized by ribosomes, but ribosomes do not directly catalyze these reactions. Therefore, the role of ribosomes in assembling amino acids into proteins is fundamental to cellular function and is the correct answer to the question.

Ribosomes play a crucial role in protein synthesis by assembling amino acids into proteins. They serve as the cellular machinery where messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated into polypeptide chains, which ultimately fold into functional proteins. During the process of translation, ribosomes read the sequence of codons in the mRNA, matching them with the appropriate transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that carry specific amino acids. This assembly line process is essential for building proteins based on the genetic instructions encoded in DNA, which is transcribed into mRNA.

The other options describe different functions that are not related to ribosomes. For instance, the storage of genetic information is primarily managed by DNA, while fatty acid production is associated with specific pathways in cellular metabolism rather than ribosomal function. Additionally, enzymatic reactions are catalyzed by enzymes themselves, which are often proteins synthesized by ribosomes, but ribosomes do not directly catalyze these reactions. Therefore, the role of ribosomes in assembling amino acids into proteins is fundamental to cellular function and is the correct answer to the question.