What is the primary function of ribosomes in cells?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, serving as the site where messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated into polypeptide chains that ultimately fold into functional proteins. This process involves the ribosomes reading the sequence of nucleotide bases in the mRNA and using that information to link together the appropriate amino acids in the correct order. This function is essential for cell growth, repair, and overall function, as proteins are fundamental components of cellular structures and perform a variety of roles in biological processes, including enzymatic activity, signaling, and structural support.

While other cellular components perform important functions—such as synthesizing lipids, breaking down waste materials, or transporting genetic information—ribosomes are specifically dedicated to the synthesis of proteins, which is why this answer is identified as correct.