During which process do ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA?

• A. Replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Translation only occurs in prokaryotes

Answer: (C)

Ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA during the process of translation. This process occurs after transcription, where mRNA is produced from a DNA template. In translation, the ribosome reads the sequence of the mRNA in sets of three nucleotides, known as codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, where they are linked together to form a polypeptide chain, ultimately folding into a functional protein.

This cellular function is critical as it translates the genetic information encoded in mRNA into the actual proteins that perform various functions within the cell. The occurrence of translation is not limited to prokaryotes; it is a fundamental process in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Thus, the assertion that translation occurs only in prokaryotes is inaccurate.