What is the primary role of ribosomes during translation?

The primary role of ribosomes during translation is to synthesize proteins from amino acids. Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for translating messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences into polypeptide chains, which ultimately fold into functional proteins. This process occurs in the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read the codons on the mRNA and match them with the appropriate transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that carry specific amino acids. As each amino acid is brought in, the ribosome links them together, forming a growing peptide chain until the entire protein is synthesized.

In terms of the other options, while ribosomes are critical for protein synthesis, they do not play a role in DNA replication, transport of mRNA outside the nucleus, or energy production for the cell. DNA replication is facilitated by other enzymes and proteins, the transport of mRNA is largely handled by nuclear pores and other transport mechanisms, and energy production occurs primarily in the mitochondria through cellular respiration.