ribosome

A ribosome is a tiny, complex structure inside cells that functions like a factory for making proteins. It reads instructions encoded in molecules called messenger RNA (mRNA) and assembles amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—into specific chains. These proteins are essential for various cell functions, including structure, communication, and chemical reactions. Ribosomes are found in both plant and animal cells, and they can either float freely in the cell's cytoplasm or attach to internal membranes. Despite their small size, ribosomes are crucial for life, enabling cells to produce the proteins necessary for growth and maintenance.