What roles do ribosomes play in a cell?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in protein synthesis within a cell. They are the molecular machines responsible for translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which eventually fold into functional proteins. This process begins when the ribosome assembles around the mRNA strand; it reads the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA and, using transfer RNA (tRNA), recruits the corresponding amino acids to build the protein according to the genetic instructions.

This function is fundamental for countless cellular processes, as proteins are central to the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs. Without ribosomes, cells would be unable to produce the proteins necessary for growth, repair, and many biochemical reactions, thus highlighting their essential role in the survival and functionality of the cell.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the primary function of ribosomes in the cell. Glucose synthesis is primarily associated with metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis or cellular respiration, while energy production takes place in mitochondria. Digestion of waste products is handled by lysosomes and other cellular structures. Therefore, the identification of ribosomes with protein synthesis emphasize their critical importance in cellular biology.