Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Biology Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

Which component is primarily responsible for protein synthesis?

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are the primary sites of protein synthesis in the cell. They function as molecular machines that read the messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence and translate it into a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein. Ribosomes can be found either floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming what is known as rough ER.

While the mitochondria are involved in energy production, the nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information and transcribing DNA into RNA. Lysosomes play a key role in the breakdown of waste materials and cellular debris but do not partake directly in protein synthesis. Therefore, ribosomes are essential for translating the genetic instructions encoded in mRNA into proteins, making them the correct answer for the function of protein synthesis.

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Mitochondria

Nucleus

Lysosomes

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