Question 28

An individual cell likely has a malfunctioning ribosome.

The inability of a cell to produce encoded proteins suggests that the ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis, are not functioning properly. This dysfunction can prevent the cell from translating its genetic information into the proteins necessary for various cellular functions.

A) centrosome.

The centrosome is primarily involved in cell division and the organization of microtubules. It does not play a direct role in protein synthesis; therefore, a problem with the centrosome would not explain the inability to produce encoded proteins.

B) ribosome.

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis in the cell, translating the genetic code into proteins. If a cell can copy its genetic information but cannot synthesize proteins, this indicates that the ribosomes may be defective or absent, making this option the most accurate.

C) acrosome.

The acrosome is a structure found in sperm cells that contains enzymes necessary for fertilization. It is not involved in general protein synthesis within the cell, so issues with the acrosome would not account for the protein production problem presented in the question.

D) Golgi apparatus.

The Golgi apparatus functions in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles. While it is important for processing proteins, it does not directly synthesize them. Therefore, problems with the Golgi apparatus would not explain a lack of protein production.

Conclusion

The ribosome is essential for translating genetic information into proteins, and a malfunction in this organelle directly leads to the observed inability to produce proteins. Other options, such as the centrosome, acrosome, and Golgi apparatus, do not directly affect protein synthesis and thus cannot account for the issue described, solidifying ribosome dysfunction as the definitive cause.