What is the main function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, which is fundamental to cellular function and life itself. They are molecular machines found in all cells, and their primary function is to translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, ultimately creating proteins. Ribosomes facilitate the reading of the genetic code carried by mRNA and link amino acids together in the correct order to form a protein.

During translation, ribosomes attach to mRNA and move along it, allowing transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to bring specific amino acids that correspond to the mRNA sequence. This assembly of amino acids continues until a complete protein is formed, which can subsequently fold into its functional three-dimensional shape. Since proteins perform diverse tasks within the cell, including acting as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules, the role of ribosomes in synthesizing proteins is essential for the overall operation of biological systems.

The other options refer to different cellular processes. Lipid synthesis is primarily carried out by the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, genetic information is stored in DNA within the nucleus, and energy generation is mainly associated with mitochondria in eukaryotic cells, highlighting the specialized functions of different cellular components.