What is the primary role of ribosomes within a cell?

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins, making them essential components of cellular function. They are the sites where messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated into polypeptides, the building blocks of proteins. During this process, ribosomes read the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA and, with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA), assemble amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. This process is vital because proteins perform a vast array of functions in the cell, including structural support, catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes, and regulating various cellular processes.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of ribosomes. While degradation of waste, energy production, and transport of materials are all important cellular processes, they involve different organelles and systems within the cell. For example, lysosomes are primarily responsible for waste degradation, mitochondria are the powerhouses involved in energy production, and vesicles and the endoplasmic reticulum are involved in the transport of materials. Thus, the synthesis of proteins is specifically attributed to ribosomes, establishing their primary role in the cell.