Which structure is responsible for the production of ribosomes within the cell?

The structure responsible for the production of ribosomes within the cell is the nucleolus. This small, dense region is found inside the nucleus and plays a crucial role in assembling ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules and combining them with ribosomal proteins to form the subunits of ribosomes. Once ribosomal subunits are created in the nucleolus, they are transported out into the cytoplasm, where they combine to form functional ribosomes that are essential for protein synthesis.

The nuclear envelope serves as a barrier that separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm but does not play a direct role in ribosome production. Lysosomes are organelles involved in digestion and waste processing within the cell and have no connection to ribosome assembly. The endoplasmic reticulum, while involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins, does not produce ribosomes; instead, it is the site where ribosomes perform their function of translating messenger RNA into proteins.