Final answer:
Ribosomes are the cytoplasmic structures that aggregate mRNA molecules for protein translation or degradation. They decode the mRNA sequence into amino acids to synthesize proteins, influenced by mRNA stability factors such as RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cytoplasmic structures that aggregate mRNA molecules for degradation or later translation are known as ribosomes. These cellular structures are essential for protein synthesis. Eukaryotic mRNAs are initially processed with a 5' methylguanosine cap and a poly-A tail to facilitate their stability and export from the nucleus. Once in the cytoplasm, mRNA stability is influenced by factors such as RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs which can lead to an increased residence time for translation or prompt degradation. Ribosomes can appear as clusters, known as polyribosomes, or as individual units that are involved in translating the mRNA sequence into amino acids and subsequently, proteins.
Ribosomes receive their instructions from the nucleus where DNA is transcribed into mRNA. The mRNA then travels to the ribosome, which decodes the sequence of nitrogenous bases in the mRNA, translating this information into a specific sequence of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This process of translation is crucial for producing the proteins necessary for cell function.