If a cell is lacking ribosomes, what function would it be unable to perform?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into a polypeptide chain.

1. Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Transcription vs. translation: DNA is transcribed to mRNA in the nucleus; translation is the process of decoding mRNA into protein and occurs at ribosomes.
- Ribosome function: ribosomes bind mRNA, match codons with transfer RNA (tRNA) anticodons, and catalyze peptide-bond formation between amino acids, forming proteins.
- Cellular compartmentalization: other organelles perform distinct roles—mitochondria generate ATP (energy), smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are involved in lipid synthesis and processing, and lysosomes/peroxisomes and exocytosis remove or digest waste.

2. Step-by-step reasoning
- Step 1: Genes in DNA encode protein sequences. These are copied into mRNA via transcription.
- Step 2: mRNA exits the nucleus and attaches to a ribosome in the cytosol or rough ER.
- Step 3: The ribosome reads mRNA codons; tRNAs bring specific amino acids to the ribosome matching codons.
- Step 4: The ribosome catalyzes peptide bonds, elongating the polypeptide until a stop codon is reached and the completed protein is released.
- If ribosomes are absent, Step 3 and Step 4 cannot occur, so translation (protein synthesis) is impossible.

3. Calculations
- No numerical calculations are required for this conceptual question.

4. Why the correct answer is correct
- Because ribosomes are essential for translation, a cell lacking ribosomes cannot assemble amino acids into proteins; therefore it cannot produce proteins.

5. Why the other options are incorrect
- Produce energy: primarily the function of mitochondria (ATP production), not ribosomes.
- Produce lipids: mainly done by the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and associated enzymes.
- Get rid of waste: lysosomes, proteasomes, and exocytosis handle waste removal, not ribosomes.

6. Conclusion
- The correct answer is Produce proteins, which matches the provided answer.

If a cell is lacking ribosomes, what function would it be unable to perform?单项选择题

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