USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Exam. Enhance your skills with engaging multiple-choice questions, detailed explanations, and essential biology concepts. Get exam-ready and boost your performance with expert tips and study resources!

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What is the function of ribosomes in a cell?

Energy production
Protein synthesis
Genetic material storage
Lipid synthesis

The correct answer is: Protein synthesis

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the cell by synthesizing proteins. They are the molecular machines that translate messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into polypeptide chains, which fold into functional proteins. This process, known as translation, is essential for cellular function and involves the assembly of amino acids in the order specified by the mRNA. Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming rough ER. The proteins produced by ribosomes can have various roles, including serving as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules, which are vital for the organism's growth, repair, and overall metabolism.