Final answer:
Free ribosomes are present in the cytoplasm, where they play a key role in the synthesis of water-soluble proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Free ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm of cells. These cellular structures are essential for protein synthesis, floating freely or sometimes appearing as clusters in the cytoplasmal fluid. Unlike membrane-bound ribosomes, which are attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and synthesize proteins for export or cell membrane insertion, free ribosomes primarily synthesize water-soluble proteins that function within the cytoplasm. Both types of ribosomes, free and membrane-bound, consist of two subunits and are composed of ribosomal protein and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).