Which of the following statements about ribosomes is false?

• A. Ribosomes are membrane-bound organelles.
• B. Ribosomes can be found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• C. Ribosomes can be free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
• D. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure and function of ribosomes: Ribosomes are complex molecular machines found within all living cells, responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA).
2. Identify the nature of ribosomes: Ribosomes are not membrane-bound organelles. They are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, forming two subunits that come together during protein synthesis.
3. Recognize the presence of ribosomes in different cell types: Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting their fundamental role in cellular biology.
4. Distinguish the locations of ribosomes within cells: Ribosomes can be free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, where they are involved in synthesizing proteins destined for secretion or for use within the cell membrane.
5. Clarify the primary function of ribosomes: Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, translating genetic information from mRNA into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins.