IAC White Set Science Bee Practice Test

Ribosomes are the cell’s protein factories. They read the message in messenger RNA and assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains, which fold into functional proteins. This process, called translation, relies on transfer RNAs to bring the correct amino acids and uses energy during steps of initiation and elongation. Ribosomes can float freely in the cytoplasm or be attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum, making proteins for different destinations. Other functions—like energy production by mitochondria, DNA replication in the nucleus, and waste processing by lysosomes—are handled by other organelles. So, the primary function is protein synthesis.