What part of the cell is responsible for protein synthesis?

The ribosomes are the part of the cell primarily responsible for protein synthesis. These small structures can be found either floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Their main function is to translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, creating proteins that are crucial for various cellular functions.

While the nucleus is involved in the production of mRNA through transcription, it does not directly carry out protein synthesis. Instead, it serves as the control center for genetic information. Mitochondria are known for producing energy through cellular respiration but do not play a direct role in synthesizing proteins. The endoplasmic reticulum, especially the rough type, assists in the folding and modification of proteins once they are synthesized by ribosomes, but it does not directly produce the proteins themselves. Hence, ribosomes are recognized as the primary site for protein synthesis in the cell.