I am a ribosome, a cellular organelle. I am primarily responsible for protein synthesis within a cell. I can be found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. My main function is to read the genetic information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) and use it to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein. I consist of two subunits, one large and one small, that come together during protein synthesis. Ribosomes can be found either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Overall, I play a crucial role in the production of proteins, which are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of cells.
Based on the given information, a molecule that is primarily used for protein synthesis is called messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA is responsible for carrying the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis takes place. It serves as a template for creating amino acid chains, which are then folded into functional proteins. Therefore, based on the function described, the molecule in question is mRNA.
