What is the primary function of ribosomes in cells?

The primary function of ribosomes in cells is to synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA). Ribosomes are complex molecular machines found within all living cells, and they play a critical role in the central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

During protein synthesis, the ribosome reads the sequence of mRNA nucleotides and, with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA), assembles amino acids in the correct order to form a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein. This process is essential for numerous cellular functions, as proteins are involved in virtually every biological process, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, providing structural support, and regulating cellular activities.

Other options describe different cellular functions: storing genetic information pertains to DNA within the nucleus, transporting nutrients relates more to cell membrane functions or transport proteins, and breaking down waste materials generally involves lysosomes. Each of these processes is essential for cellular function but does not pertain to the primary role of ribosomes in protein synthesis.