[Campbell Biology P.403] Which of the following statements correctly describes the primary p... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements correctly describes the primary products of free and bound ribosomes?
A: Free ribosomes primarily synthesize proteins destined for the cytosol, while bound ribosomes synthesize proteins for the endomembrane system or secretion.
B: Both free and bound ribosomes primarily synthesize proteins that remain in the cytosol.
C: Free ribosomes synthesize proteins for the endomembrane system, while bound ribosomes synthesize cytosolic proteins.
D: All proteins destined for secretion are synthesized exclusively by free ribosomes.
Explanation
According to the text, free ribosomes are suspended in the cytosol and mostly synthesize proteins that stay in the cytosol. In contrast, bound ribosomes are attached to the ER or nuclear envelope and make proteins of the endomembrane system as well as proteins secreted from the cell.