Part A Which organelle synthesizes proteins that are used in the cytoplasm? mitochondria ribosomes that are free within the cytoplasm Gough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

The ribosomes that are free within the cytoplasm are the organelles responsible for synthesizing proteins that are used directly in the cytoplasm. Unlike those on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which produce proteins for export or for use in membranes, free ribosomes focus on creating proteins that function within the cell itself, such as enzymes and structural proteins. Interestingly, these free ribosomes can actually switch locations! When a newly synthesized protein needs to be transported elsewhere, the ribosome can move to the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) for further processing and packaging. This flexibility plays a key role in the efficiency of cellular function, allowing the cell to adapt to its needs on the fly.