Which cell organelle is responsible for making proteins?

Appeared in: DHS 2018 shift 1st

Explanation

Ribosomes are the specific sites for protein synthesis within a cell, earning them the name 'protein factories'.
They function by translating the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) into a sequence of amino acids, which forms a polypeptide chain.
These organelles are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
They exist in two forms: free ribosomes in the cytoplasm (making proteins for use within the cell) and bound ribosomes attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (making proteins for export or for membranes).

Option A: Lysosomes are involved in the breakdown and digestion of cellular waste and foreign material using hydrolytic enzymes. They degrade molecules, they do not synthesize them.
Option C: Mitochondria are the primary sites of cellular respiration and ATP synthesis, providing energy for the cell. They are the 'powerhouses', not protein factories.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer, Ribosomes, is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of cellular organelles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding ribosome function is crucial in pharmacology. Many antibiotics (e.g., macrolides, tetracyclines) work by selectively targeting and inhibiting bacterial ribosomes, which stops protein synthesis and kills the bacteria without harming the patient's cells.
Disruptions in protein synthesis are linked to various diseases. For example, some neurodegenerative disorders involve the misfolding and aggregation of proteins, a process that begins with synthesis at the ribosome.
What if? If a genetic disorder affected the function of lysosomes (a lysosomal storage disease), the primary problem would be the accumulation of undigested waste products within the cell, leading to cellular damage and organ dysfunction, not an inability to make proteins.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key process in the question stem: 'making proteins', which is also known as protein synthesis.
Next, systematically review the function of each organelle provided in the options.
Recall that Lysosomes are for digestion and waste breakdown.
Recall that Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
Recall that Mitochondria are responsible for energy (ATP) production.
Match the key process from the question ('making proteins') with the corresponding organelle's function. This directly points to Ribosomes as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q8k_1rNPLT7rrG-NSEYfyb

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

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

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

Practise the full DHS 2018 shift 1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.