What is the function of the nucleolus?

The nucleolus is a vital structure within the cell's nucleus primarily responsible for producing ribosomes. Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, as they translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptides, which then fold into functional proteins. The nucleolus is rich in ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which combines with proteins to form the components of ribosomes.

This role is distinct from generating ATP, which occurs in organelles like mitochondria, or synthesizing DNA, which takes place during DNA replication processes within the nucleus itself. Regulation of cell division is managed through various other cellular mechanisms, involving different structures and proteins rather than the nucleolus. Therefore, recognizing the nucleolus's specific function in ribosome production highlights its key role in cellular function and the overall process of protein synthesis.