Where does translation primarily take place in a eukaryotic cell?

• A. Within the Golgi apparatus
• B. On ribosomes in the cytoplasm
• C. Inside the nucleus
• D. In the mitochondria only

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of translation: Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a template.
2. Recall the location of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells: Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (forming the rough ER).
3. Clarify the role of the cytoplasm: In eukaryotic cells, translation primarily occurs on ribosomes located in the cytoplasm, where mRNA is decoded to produce polypeptides.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The nucleus is where transcription occurs, not translation. The Golgi apparatus is involved in protein modification and sorting, not synthesis. Mitochondria have their own ribosomes for synthesizing a few proteins, but this is not the primary site of translation in the cell.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: Translation primarily takes place on ribosomes in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.