The primary purpose of the ribosome in a cell is to synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into amino acid chains. Ribosomes are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, either floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Each ribosome consists of two subunits made up of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. The process of protein synthesis is crucial for cell function and growth, and ribosomes play a fundamental role in expressing the genetic code stored in DNA.