What is one main function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential organelle within the cell, primarily known for its role in synthesizing and processing proteins. Its structure is characterized by ribosomes attached to its surface, giving it a "rough" appearance under a microscope. These ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, where messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated into polypeptide chains, forming proteins.

Once synthesized, the rough ER also plays a critical role in the processing of these proteins. This includes folding the polypeptide chains into their functional three-dimensional shapes, adding carbohydrate groups (glycosylation), and ensuring that they are correctly assembled. Some proteins produced in the rough ER are eventually shipped to the Golgi apparatus for further modification or sorting to their final destinations, such as being secreted outside the cell or sent to other organelles.

In contrast, the other options focus on different cellular functions. Carbohydrate production and processing pertain more to other parts of the cell, such as the smooth ER, genetic information storage is primarily the responsibility of the nucleus, and material transport is a general function performed by various cellular structures, including the smooth ER and vesicles. Hence, the primary function of the rough endoplasmic ret