In eukaryotic cells, which structure is directly responsible for synthesizing polypeptides during translation?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Lysosome
• C. Golgi apparatus
• D. Ribosome

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of translation in eukaryotic cells, which is the synthesis of polypeptides (proteins) from messenger RNA (mRNA).
2. Recall that translation occurs in the cytoplasm where ribosomes read the mRNA sequence to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
3. Identify the cellular structure responsible for this process: ribosomes, which can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
4. Recognize that other organelles like the nucleus, lysosome, and Golgi apparatus have different functions: the nucleus stores genetic information, lysosomes digest cellular waste, and the Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins.
5. Conclude that the ribosome is the structure directly responsible for synthesizing polypeptides during translation.