Where does protein synthesis occur?

Protein synthesis occurs in the ribosomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, protein synthesis occurs in two different locations depending on the cell type. Because prokaryotes lack a nucleus, the cell's ribosomes are scattered throughout the cytoplasm, and thus the cytoplasm is the site where protein synthesis takes place. Their mRNAs are transcribed in the cytoplasm and are translated by ribosomes immediately. In eukaryotes, ribosomes get their information for protein synthesis from the nucleus. From there, genes are transcribed to make mRNAs, which travel to the ribosome to begin translation. It is important to note that eukaryotic ribosomes may either be freely floating in the cytoplasm or bound to the ER or outside of the nuclear envelope. Protein synthesis can also take place in the rough ER or outside of the nuclear envelope.