National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

The primary function of the ribosome in a cell is protein synthesis. Ribosomes are complex molecular machines found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and their main role involves translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which eventually fold into functional proteins. This process, known as translation, is essential for cellular function and growth, as proteins play a vital role in virtually every aspect of cellular activity, including structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.

Other cellular processes, such as energy production or DNA replication, involve different organelles and mechanisms. Mitochondria, for example, are primarily responsible for energy production, while DNA replication occurs in the nucleus and is mediated by various enzymes. Cell division involves processes like mitosis or meiosis, which are also distinct from the protein synthesis carried out by ribosomes. Therefore, the ribosome’s role in synthesizing proteins is crucial and distinct from these other functions.