Which cell organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?
Answer Details
The organelle responsible for protein synthesis is the ribosome. Ribosomes are small, spherical structures found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are made up of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. Their primary function is to translate the genetic code from messenger RNA (mRNA) to synthesize proteins, which are essential for various cellular functions.
Here's how the process works:
The genetic information for a specific protein is first "written" in the DNA within the cell's nucleus.
This information is transcribed into a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA), which travels from the nucleus to the cytoplasm where ribosomes are located.
The ribosome reads the sequence of the mRNA and assembles amino acids in the correct order to form a protein, following the instructions provided by the mRNA.
In summary, ribosomes are fundamental to the process of building proteins, which are critical for maintaining cell structure and function.