Question

Ribosomes are the sites for the synthesis of which of the following?

• A. Lipids
• B. Proteins
• C. Carbohydrates
• D. Nucleic acids

Hint:

The greater the number of ribosomes in a cell, the greater its capacity to synthesize proteins.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Ribosomes are small, non-membranous cell organelles found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are often referred to as the "protein factories" of the cell because their primary function is protein synthesis. Proteins are essential biomolecules that perform structural, enzymatic, transport, and regulatory functions in living organisms.

Step 1: Understand the role of ribosomes. Ribosomes read the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). During the process of translation, amino acids are joined together in a specific sequence to form proteins. \[ \text{mRNA} \xrightarrow{\text{Ribosome}} \text{Protein} \]

Step 2: Location of ribosomes. Ribosomes may occur:

• Freely suspended in the cytoplasm.

• Attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Both types participate in protein synthesis.

Step 3: Analyze the options.

• Lipids are synthesized mainly in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

• Carbohydrates are synthesized through various metabolic pathways.

• Nucleic acids are synthesized in the nucleus.

• Proteins are synthesized on ribosomes.
Hence, ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.