What is the primary site of protein translation in prokaryotic cells?
A) On the plasma membrane
B) In the flagellum
C) In the nucleus
D) On ribosomes in the cytoplasm
E) Between the plasma membrane and the cell wall
IMAT 2026 · Question 14
Q14 - Protein synthesis
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The correct answer is D) On ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Prokaryotes have no nucleus, so their DNA lies free in the cytoplasm. mRNA is translated by 70S ribosomes in the cytoplasm, often while it is still being transcribed: transcription and translation happen together.
A) Incorrect: The plasma membrane handles transport and, in bacteria, the respiratory chain. It does not translate mRNA.
B) Incorrect: The flagellum is used for movement. It contains no ribosomes.
C) Incorrect: Prokaryotic cells have no nucleus. Translation in a nucleus is not possible.
D) Correct: Translation takes place on ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
E) Incorrect: The space between the membrane and the cell wall (periplasm) contains proteins for transport and digestion, not ribosomes.
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