Which cellular process takes place in the ribosomes that are bound to the endoplasmic
reticulum?
A The breakdown of waste material
B The conversion of radiant energy to glucose
C The synthesis of new proteins
D The replication of nucleic acids

The synthesis of new proteins is the key process that occurs in the ribosomes bound to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These ribosomes translate messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, which then fold into functional proteins. This is especially important for secretory proteins that will be sent to different parts of the cell or exported outside it.

In addition to being involved in protein synthesis, the rough ER, where these ribosomes are located, plays a critical role in the post-translational modification of proteins. This includes processes such as glycosylation and the formation of disulfide bonds, which are essential for a protein’s final structure and function. This is where proteins get their final touches before heading off to do their jobs in the cell!