What role does ribosome play in protein synthesis?

The ribosome plays a crucial role in the translation of mRNA into polypeptides, making it essential for protein synthesis. During this process, the ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the mRNA, which are the genetic instructions transcribed from DNA. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, and the ribosome facilitates the binding of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that carry these amino acids. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, it catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids, resulting in the elongation of the growing polypeptide chain.

This means that the primary function of the ribosome is to ensure that the genetic information carried by mRNA is accurately translated into functional proteins, allowing cells to carry out their necessary functions. This process is distinct from transcription, which involves the synthesis of mRNA from DNA, replication of DNA, and repair of DNA – processes that do not involve the ribosome directly.