What is the main function of ribosomes?

What is the main function of ribosomes?

• A. Synthesize RNA.
• B. Synthesize proteins.
• C. Process lipids.
• D. Translate DNA.

Answer: (B)

Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains. They read mRNA codons and bring in transfer RNAs with the matching amino acids, linking these amino acids with peptide bonds catalyzed by the ribosome’s rRNA. This process, fueled by GTP during initiation and elongation, produces a growing protein that folds into its functional form. Because of this role, the main function is protein synthesis. They do not create RNA (transcription is done by RNA polymerase), nor do they process lipids or translate DNA directly.

Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains. They read mRNA codons and bring in transfer RNAs with the matching amino acids, linking these amino acids with peptide bonds catalyzed by the ribosome’s rRNA. This process, fueled by GTP during initiation and elongation, produces a growing protein that folds into its functional form. Because of this role, the main function is protein synthesis. They do not create RNA (transcription is done by RNA polymerase), nor do they process lipids or translate DNA directly.