Where does translation occur in a cell?

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) templates. This occurs primarily in the cytoplasm of the cell, where the ribosomes are located. The mRNA, which has been transcribed from DNA in the nucleus, is transported out into the cytoplasm where it interacts with ribosomes. Ribosomes can be either free-floating in the cytosol or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, but the entire process of translating mRNA into a polypeptide chain, forming proteins, occurs within the cytoplasm.

While the endoplasmic reticulum plays a role in processing and packaging proteins, the actual translation of genetic information into amino acid sequences takes place in the cytoplasm. Additionally, the mitochondria have their own ribosomes and can carry out translation of mitochondrial genes specifically, but the majority of cellular translation occurs in the cytoplasm. Therefore, selecting the cytoplasm as the location for translation aligns with the established understanding of cellular biology.