Ribosomes themselves do not have a specific color when viewed in their natural state. However, when scientists observe ribosomes under a microscope, they may appear as dark dots or granules within the cell, largely due to the staining techniques used in microscopy.
In plant cells, ribosomes can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, which is referred to as rough ER due to the presence of these ribosomal structures. The appearance and visualization of ribosomes is largely dependent on the specific stains used to highlight cellular structures. For instance, using certain dyes might result in a color change that can make ribosomes more noticeable against the background of the cell.
In summary, while ribosomes do not have a specific inherent color, they can appear as various shades depending on the staining and visualization methods employed in laboratory settings.