Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Ribosomes are primarily involved in which biological process?

1. Energy production

2. Protein synthesis

3. DNA replication

4. Cell signaling

The correct answer is: Protein synthesis

Ribosomes are vital cellular structures primarily involved in protein synthesis. They are the sites where messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA, is translated into proteins. During this process, transfer RNA (tRNA) brings amino acids to the ribosome, where they are linked together in the sequence specified by the mRNA, forming polypeptides that fold into functional proteins. This role is essential for cell function, growth, and response to the environment, as proteins are crucial for numerous biological activities, including enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules. Options related to energy production, DNA replication, and cell signaling, while important biological processes, do not directly involve ribosomes. Energy production primarily occurs in organelles such as mitochondria and requires various biochemical pathways. DNA replication occurs in the nucleus and involves enzymes such as DNA polymerases but not ribosomes. Cell signaling typically involves a complex network of proteins and hormones, but ribosomes themselves do not directly play a role in this signaling. Therefore, the function of ribosomes is distinctly centered on protein synthesis.