Final answer:
The key difference between free and attached ribosomes is their location: free ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm while attached ribosomes are bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Both types of ribosomes consist of similar subunits and fulfill the role of protein synthesis, but their cellular locations determine the destination of the proteins they produce.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference between Free and Attached Ribosomes
The main difference between free and attached ribosomes lies in their location within the cell. Free ribosomes are found floating in the cytoplasm and typically synthesize water-soluble proteins that function within the cytosol. On the other hand, attached ribosomes, also known as membrane-bound ribosomes, are found attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and primarily produce proteins that are destined for insertion into membranes, secretion from the cell, or packing into organelles.
Ribosomes, in general, are made up of two subunits, each comprising ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. Regardless of being free or attached, the ribosomes serve the essential function of protein synthesis, translating mRNA into polypeptide chains.
When comparing free and attached ribosomes, their size and composition are not significantly different as both types consist of similar large and small subunits constructed from rRNA and proteins. Therefore, the aspect of ribosomes that is being compared is C) Location.