What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

The primary function of ribosomes in a cell is protein synthesis. Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains or proteins. During this process, ribosomes read the sequence of codons in the mRNA and facilitate the assembly of amino acids into a specific order to form a protein. This process is essential because proteins play a multitude of roles in the cell, including functioning as enzymes, structural components, signaling molecules, and more.

Ribosomes can either be found floating freely in the cytoplasm, producing proteins for use within the cell, or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they synthesize proteins destined for secretion or for use in cellular membranes. The ability of ribosomes to perform this key function makes them vital for the maintenance of cellular function and overall organismal health.