Explain why a cell that contains many ribosomes is able to produce large amounts of enzymes.

Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 1.1 Cell biology · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, where amino acids are linked together to form proteins.
Enzymes are a type of protein.
A cell with many ribosomes can carry out many protein‑synthesis reactions at the same time.
Therefore it can produce a larger quantity of enzymes than a cell with fewer ribosomes.

Examiner tips

Use the term ‘ribosomes’ and ‘protein synthesis’. Mention that enzymes are proteins. Explain that more ribosomes = more simultaneous synthesis. Show the logical link to ‘greater quantity of enzymes’.

Common mistakes

Saying ribosomes are the site of DNA replication. Forgetting to state that enzymes are proteins. Failing to connect the number of ribosomes to simultaneous synthesis.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis (where proteins are made)
Enzymes are proteins
More ribosomes means more protein synthesis can occur (at the same time / simultaneously)
Therefore more enzymes (proteins) are produced / a greater quantity of enzymes can be made

Key terms in this question

ribosomes · enzymes