a cell with an abundance of free ribosomes is most likely carrying out which of the following processes?
A cell with an abundance of free ribosomes is most likely carrying out which of the following processes?
Answer: A cell with an abundance of free ribosomes is most likely involved in “protein synthesis” or the production of proteins that are used primarily within the cytoplasm of the cell.
Solution By Steps:
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Understanding Ribosomes:
- Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They can be found in two main locations within a cell: attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (forming rough ER) or freely floating in the cytoplasm (free ribosomes).
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Free vs. Bound Ribosomes:
- Free ribosomes synthesize proteins that generally function within the cytosol itself (the fluid component of the cytoplasm).
- Bound ribosomes, on the other hand, are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and mainly synthesize proteins destined for secretion, incorporation into the plasma membrane, or lysosomes.
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Function of Free Ribosomes:
- Proteins synthesized by free ribosomes generally include enzymes involved in cellular metabolism, structural proteins, and proteins required for the maintenance and function of the cell’s internal machinery.
Final Answer:
- Protein Synthesis: Therefore, a cell with an abundance of free ribosomes is most likely carrying out the process of synthesizing proteins that remain within the cytoplasm and are involved in internal cellular functions.
By understanding the role and location of ribosomes in protein synthesis, it’s clear that an abundance of free ribosomes indicates a heightened level of internal protein production within the cell.