Question

Identify the function of the ribosome.
A) Generates energy
B) Synthesis lipids
C) Carries genetic material
D) Synthesis proteins

Answer 1

A ribosome is a complex structure consisting of proteins and RNA, hence being also called ribonucleoprotein. They are present and also essential in both plant and animal cells.

Complete answer:
Ribosomes being present in every cell cytoplasm and even inside the cell organelles, depicts the vital role it plays in the metabolism of an organism. They are also present in prokaryotic cells. The main function they carry out is in the process of translation, where they bind to an mRNA, and decode the sequence of amino acids to information, thus helping in protein synthesis.
So now let us go through each of the options given above:

Option A: Generates energy - There involves no ATP synthesis associated with the ribosomes. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Synthesis lipids - Ribosome does not play a role in the synthesis of lipids and fats. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option C: Carries genetic material - Ribosomes do contain RNA, but since it is not the proper genetic material in most of the organism, this cannot be true. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: Synthesis proteins - As we have already discussed, ribosomes’ main function is protein synthesis. Protein synthesis takes place in the cytoplasm. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Thus, the correct answer is option (D) Synthesis proteins.

Note: Ribosomes are composed of two subunits- the larger subunit and the smaller subunit. It depends on the location of the ribosomes. During translation, the amino acids get added to the larger one, while the mRNA is joined and decoded by the smaller one.