Which structure serves as the site of protein synthesis in a bacterial (prokaryotic) cell?

• A. Plasmid
• B. Cell membrane
• C. Nucleoid
• D. Ribosome

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins based on genetic instructions.
2. Recall that in prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is not enclosed in a nucleus but is found in the nucleoid region.
3. Identify the role of each structure: plasmids carry extra-chromosomal DNA, the cell membrane controls substance movement, and the nucleoid contains DNA but does not synthesize proteins directly.
4. Recognize that ribosomes are the molecular machines responsible for translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins.
5. Conclude that the ribosome is the site of protein synthesis in bacterial (prokaryotic) cells.