Understanding the Difference Between Free and Attached Ribosomes

What is the difference between free and attached ribosomes?

The correct answer is: Free ribosomes are located in the cytoplasm, whereas attached ribosomes are embedded on the endoplasmic reticulum.

Final answer:

Free ribosomes, located in the cytoplasm, produce proteins functioning inside the cytoplasm, while attached ribosomes, found on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, produce proteins for export or for organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Explanation:

The difference between free and attached ribosomes lies primarily in their locations and functionalities within a cell. Free ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm and primarily synthesize proteins that function within the cytoplasm itself. On the other hand, attached ribosomes, which are embedded on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), produce proteins for export or for other organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. Despite their differing locations, both types of ribosomes play crucial roles in protein synthesis.