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Multiple Choice
Most proteins destined to enter the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are:
A
synthesized by free ribosomes in the cytosol and remain there
B
imported into the ER after complete synthesis in the nucleus
C
synthesized by ribosomes bound to the rough ER
D
synthesized by ribosomes attached to the Golgi apparatus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in protein synthesis. The rough ER is studded with ribosomes and is specifically involved in synthesizing proteins that are destined for secretion, insertion into membranes, or use within the ER itself.
Recognize the distinction between free ribosomes and bound ribosomes. Free ribosomes synthesize proteins that typically remain in the cytosol, while bound ribosomes (attached to the rough ER) synthesize proteins destined for the ER, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, or secretion.
Clarify that ribosomes are not attached to the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins after they are synthesized in the ER, but it does not have ribosomes attached to it.
Note that proteins destined for the ER are not synthesized in the nucleus. The nucleus contains DNA and is responsible for transcription, but protein synthesis occurs in the cytoplasm or on the rough ER.
Conclude that the correct answer is: 'synthesized by ribosomes bound to the rough ER,' as this aligns with the biological process of protein targeting and synthesis for the ER.