Question:

A cell biologist is studying an organelle described as the "ribosomal factory" of the cell. This structure is the:

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Cells that are actively engaged in rapid protein synthesis (such as pancreatic cells, liver cells, and cancer cells) contain larger and multiple nucleoli because they require a highly elevated number of ribosomes.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • Golgi apparatus
  • Nucleolus
  • Mitochondrion
  • Lysosome
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the cellular organelle or structure that is commonly known as the "ribosome factory" of the cell due to its primary role in synthesizing and assembling ribosomal subunits.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


• The nucleolus is a dense, prominent, non-membrane-bound structure found inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

• It is composed of proteins, DNA, and RNA, and it forms around specific chromosomal regions known as Nucleolar Organizer Regions (NORs).

• The primary function of the nucleolus is the transcription of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from DNA template genes, followed by its processing and modification.

• Additionally, the nucleolus is responsible for assembling these processed rRNA molecules with ribosomal proteins (which are synthesized in the cytoplasm and imported into the nucleus).

• This assembly process forms the large and small ribosomal subunits, which are subsequently exported through nuclear pores into the cytoplasm to participate in protein translation.

• Because of this intensive, centralized production of ribosomal components, the nucleolus is appropriately nicknamed the "ribosome factory" of the cell.

• Let us briefly review the other options to understand why they are incorrect:
- Golgi apparatus (A): Involved in packaging, modifying, and sorting proteins and lipids transported from the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Mitochondrion (C): Known as the "powerhouse of the cell" because it generates ATP through aerobic respiration.
- Lysosome (D): Often referred to as the "suicidal bag of the cell" due to the presence of hydrolytic enzymes that digest cellular waste and macromolecules.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The cellular structure described as the "ribosomal factory" is the nucleolus.
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