Where does translation occur in prokaryotic cells?

In prokaryotic cells, translation occurs at the ribosomes, which are the molecular machines responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into amino acid sequences. In these cells, ribosomes float freely in the cytoplasm and can readily access the mRNA that is transcribed from the DNA, allowing for efficient protein synthesis.

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus; instead, their genetic material is found in the cytoplasm, organized in a region called the nucleoid. Since translation and transcription can occur simultaneously in prokaryotes, ribosomes can attach to the mRNA while it is still being synthesized. This close proximity between transcription and translation in the cytoplasm enhances the efficiency of protein production in prokaryotic organisms.

Mitochondria, while involved in energy production, are an organelle found in eukaryotic cells, and do not play a role in translation within prokaryotic cells. Thus, ribosomes being the site of translation in prokaryotes is consistent with their structure and function in the overall process of gene expression.