Final answer:
Ribosomes are cellular structures essential for synthesizing proteins, comprised of two subunits and are observed in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. They translate genetic codes from mRNA into amino acid sequences to create proteins vital for cellular functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ribosomes are pivotal cellular structures dedicated to the process of protein synthesis. They are composed of rRNA (ribosomal RNA) and proteins, forming two distinct subunits known as the large and small subunits. These subunits play a crucial role in translating genetic information from DNA into functional proteins.
Ribosomes can be observed through electron microscopy as free-floating clusters or single dots within the cytoplasm, or attached to the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum. Upon activation, they bind to the messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic code from the encoded DNA, to align and link together amino acids in the correct sequence to form a protein.
In essence, while DNA houses the blueprint of life, ribosomes act as molecular machines, decoding and constructing proteins that are crucial for cell function and for export to various parts of the body.