What is the name of the small structure that synthesizes proteins in a cell?

What is the name of the small structure that synthesizes proteins in a cell?

• A. Lysosome
• B. Centriole
• C. Ribosome
• D. Mitochondria

Answer: (C)

The small structure responsible for synthesizing proteins in a cell is known as a ribosome. Ribosomes play a crucial role in translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. They can either be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming what is known as rough ER, which is involved in producing proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell’s plasma membrane, or sent to an organelle. Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal within the cell, not protein synthesis. Centrioles are primarily involved in cell division, particularly in organizing microtubules during mitosis, and have no role in protein synthesis. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, generating energy through the process of cellular respiration, but they do not create proteins directly. Therefore, the correct identification of ribosomes as the site of protein synthesis highlights their essential function in cellular biology.

The small structure responsible for synthesizing proteins in a cell is known as a ribosome. Ribosomes play a crucial role in translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. They can either be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming what is known as rough ER, which is involved in producing proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell’s plasma membrane, or sent to an organelle.

Lysosomes are involved in digestion and waste removal within the cell, not protein synthesis. Centrioles are primarily involved in cell division, particularly in organizing microtubules during mitosis, and have no role in protein synthesis. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, generating energy through the process of cellular respiration, but they do not create proteins directly. Therefore, the correct identification of ribosomes as the site of protein synthesis highlights their essential function in cellular biology.