Free ribosomes are ribosomes that float freely in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells, responsible for synthesizing proteins that function within the cytoplasm. Unlike bound ribosomes that are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes produce proteins that typically remain in the cell and are not secreted or incorporated into the cell membrane. This distinction is important as it highlights the different pathways and roles proteins have depending on their site of synthesis.
congrats on reading the definition of free ribosomes. now let's actually learn it.