What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, which is vital for cell function and growth. They are the cellular machinery where the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains occurs. This process involves reading the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA and linking the appropriate amino acids together to form proteins.

Proteins are essential for a wide range of functions in living organisms, including serving as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules. Without ribosomes, cells would not be able to produce the proteins necessary for life, making their role fundamental to the overall functioning of cells.

Other options reference functions that do not pertain to ribosomes. For example, while nutrients may be stored within cells, that is not a function of ribosomes. Similarly, controlling cell activities involves structures like the nucleus, and photosynthesis is a function of chloroplasts in plant cells, not ribosomes. This understanding highlights the unique and specific function of ribosomes in the cell as the site of protein assembly.