Ribosomes are small, complex molecular machines found in all cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Their primary function is protein synthesis, which occurs through the process of translation. Ribosomes read the messenger RNA (mRNA) that is transcribed from DNA and assemble amino acids into proteins based on the instructions encoded in the mRNA.
Ribosomes are made up of two subunits: a large subunit and a small subunit. In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes can be found either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), forming what is known as the rough ER.
In the cytoplasm, free ribosomes typically synthesize proteins that function within the cytoplasm itself. Ribosomes attached to the rough ER synthesize proteins that are either secreted from the cell, incorporated into the cell membrane, or sent to organelles like lysosomes.
Ribosomes are not involved in storing genetic information, regulating cellular respiration, or controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The storage of genetic information occurs in the nucleus (in eukaryotic cells) or nucleoid (in prokaryotic cells), and cellular respiration is carried out by mitochondria. The movement of substances is regulated by the cell membrane.
Therefore, the correct answer is that ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins in the cell.