Here's why:

* Ribosomes are the protein synthesis machinery: They read the genetic code from messenger RNA (mRNA) and use it to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains, which fold into functional proteins.

* Location: Ribosomes can be found in two main locations:

* Free ribosomes: Found floating in the cytoplasm, where they produce proteins that will be used within the cell.

* Bound ribosomes: Attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they produce proteins that will be secreted from the cell, incorporated into membranes, or used in other organelles.