In the context of translation, what is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

• A. They generate ATP through oxidative phosphorylation across an inner membrane.
• B. They modify and sort proteins for secretion by adding carbohydrate groups.
• C. They synthesize proteins by decoding mRNA and catalyzing peptide bond formation.
• D. They replicate DNA by unwinding the double helix and copying nucleotides.

Answer: (C)