A ribosome is a tiny, complex structure found in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in making proteins, which are essential for the growth and repair of tissues. Ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, forming what is known as the rough ER. Ribosomes read the genetic instructions carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) and link together the appropriate amino acids to form proteins. This process is called translation, and it is vital for the functioning of cells, as proteins perform many important tasks, including acting as enzymes and building cellular structures.