How are Ribosomes Involved in Insulin Production?

Which of the cell's ribosomes are most likely involved in insulin production?

a. The ribosomes lining the cell membrane.

b. The ribosomes surrounding the Golgi apparatus.

c. The ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum.

d. The ribosomes floating in the cytoplasm.

Final answer:

Insulin production primarily involves the ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which participate in the synthesis and initial processing of proteins. These proteins, including insulin, undergo further modifications in the Golgi apparatus prior to being exported from the cell.

Explanation:

The ribosomes most likely involved in insulin production would be the ribosomes on the endoplasmic reticulum (c). The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), specifically the rough ER due to its ribosomes, plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins like insulin.

Proteins to be secreted are initially synthesized into the ER lumen and further processed and modified. Such proteins, including insulin, are then enclosed within vesicles and transported to the Golgi apparatus.

Cells with high protein production rates, like the pancreas cells that manufacture insulin, will indeed contain abundant ribosomes, especially those associated with the ER. These observations indicate the form and functions of these cells are intrinsically related to their role in protein synthesis.