What is called the protein factory in a human cell?

BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Ribosomes are small granular structures responsible for protein synthesis.
They are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
Ribosomes read the sequence of messenger RNA (mRNA) and use it as a template to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins.
Due to this crucial role in building proteins, they are aptly nicknamed the 'protein factories' of the cell.

Option A: Mitochondria are primarily involved in energy production (ATP synthesis) through cellular respiration, not protein synthesis. They are known as the 'powerhouses' of the cell.
Option C: Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes. Their main function is to break down waste materials, cellular debris, and foreign invaders. They are the 'recycling centers' or 'suicidal bags' of the cell.
Option D: The Nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and acts as the 'control center,' regulating all cellular activities, including transcription (the first step of protein synthesis), but it is not the site of protein synthesis itself (translation).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the function of different organelles within a human cell, specifically identifying the site of protein synthesis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between prokaryotic (bacterial) and eukaryotic (human) ribosomes is fundamental to pharmacology. Many antibiotics (e.g., macrolides, tetracyclines) selectively target bacterial 70S ribosomes to inhibit their protein synthesis, thereby killing the bacteria without harming human cells which have 80S ribosomes.
Certain genetic disorders, known as ribosomopathies (e.g., Diamond-Blackfan anemia), are caused by defects in ribosomal proteins or biogenesis, leading to impaired protein synthesis and various clinical symptoms.
What if? If a drug were developed that inhibited 80S ribosomes instead of 70S ribosomes, it would be highly toxic to humans, as it would halt protein synthesis in our own cells, leading to widespread cell death and organ failure. This highlights the importance of selective toxicity in drug development.

How to Approach the Question

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the function of different organelles within a human cell, specifically identifying the site of protein synthesis.
Stem keywords: protein factory, human cell
Lead-in keywords: What is called

Q6nPhgO9UtRtXAvkdBdgyd

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 32-34

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 41-43

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 33-35