Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell. This process is part of protein synthesis, where messenger RNA (mRNA), which has been synthesized during transcription in the nucleus, is decoded by ribosomes to build proteins.
Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for translating the genetic code carried by the mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids, resulting in the formation of proteins. These ribosomes can either be free-floating in the cytoplasm or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum, contributing to the endoplasmic reticulum’s designation as rough ER when ribosomes are attached.
In summary, the cytoplasm, where ribosomes are located, is the key area for translation, allowing cells to produce the proteins necessary for various cellular functions.