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Difficulty: MediumCell Structure and Function

In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum primarily produce proteins destined for cellular secretion or membrane integration, whereas free ribosomes in the cytosol synthesize proteins that function inside the cytoplasm.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because eukaryotic translation is compartmentalized: bound ribosomes on the rough endoplasmic reticulum feed peptides into the endomembrane system for export or membrane integration, while free cytosolic ribosomes produce internal proteins such as metabolic enzymes and cytoskeletal elements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the distinct functional locations of ribosomes within a eukaryotic cell.
Ribosomes exist either freely suspended within the cytoplasm or attached to the membrane of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Ribosome location directly determines the trafficking pathway of the translated polypeptide.
2
Determine the protein destinations associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum-bound ribosomes.
Bound ribosomes translate proteins targeted for lysosomal delivery, incorporation into cellular membranes, or extracellular secretion via exocytosis.
Co-translational translocation feeds the emerging peptide directly into the endoplasmic reticulum lumen for packaging.
3
Determine the protein destinations associated with free cytosolic ribosomes.
Free ribosomes synthesize soluble proteins and enzymes that remain and operate within the intracellular fluid.
These proteins lack the signal sequences required for endoplasmic reticulum membrane docking.

Key Concept

Compartmentalization of protein synthesis between membrane-bound and free ribosomes
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Cell Structure and Function

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