Which cellular process is primarily carried out by ribosomes in bacteria?

• A. DNA replication
• B. RNA transcription
• C. Protein synthesis
• D. Lipid metabolism

Answer: (C)

Ribosomes are the cellular machines that convert genetic messages into proteins by translating mRNA into polypeptides. In bacteria, this translation reads codons on mRNA and uses tRNA carrying amino acids to build a growing protein, with peptide bonds forming between amino acids. Translation happens in the cytoplasm and can begin before transcription finishes, since bacterial cells lack a nucleus separating these steps.

DNA replication involves duplicating the genome and is carried out by DNA polymerases. RNA transcription creates RNA from a DNA template via RNA polymerase. Lipid metabolism involves enzymes and pathways that process fatty acids and lipids. The ribosome’s main role is therefore protein synthesis.