What is the main role of ribosomes in a cell?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis within a cell. They are often described as the "protein builders" or "protein factories" because they translate the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Each ribosome reads the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA and assembles the corresponding amino acids in the correct order to form a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein.

Proteins are essential biomolecules that perform a vast array of functions within an organism, including structural roles, enzymatic activities, and regulatory functions. Thus, the primary function of ribosomes is central to the overall functioning of the cell, contributing to growth, repair, and maintenance by producing proteins necessary for various cellular processes.