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Difficulty: MediumCell Structure and Function

A biological study finds that an experimental chemical compound prevents cells from linking amino acids together into polypeptide chains. Which cellular structure is directly targeted by this chemical?

  1. A
    Chloroplast
  2. RibosomeAnswer
  3. C
    Cell wall
  4. D
    Mitochondrion

Answer

Ribosome
Ribosomes are the specialized cellular structures that synthesize proteins by assembling individual amino acids into polypeptide chains according to genetic instructions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the cellular process affected by the chemical.
Linking amino acids into polypeptide chains corresponds to protein synthesis (translation).
Determining the specific biochemical reaction is necessary to locate where the inhibition occurs.
2
Associate the identified process with the corresponding organelle.
Ribosomes read mRNA transcripts and catalyze peptide bonds between amino acids.
Ribosomes are universally responsible for assembling polypeptides in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Key Concept

Ribosomes are the primary sites of protein synthesis in living cells, responsible for joining amino acids into polypeptide chains.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Cell Structure and Function

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