Where does translation occur in a eukaryotic cell?

Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell. This is the process where ribosomes synthesize proteins by reading the mRNA sequence transcribed from DNA in the nucleus. Once mRNA exits the nucleus, it enters the cytoplasm, where ribosomes—either free-floating or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum—translate the mRNA into a polypeptide chain, ultimately folding into functional proteins.

The nucleus is responsible for DNA replication and transcription, but translation specifically takes place outside of it. Organelles such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum do play roles in protein synthesis, but the primary site of translation in eukaryotic cells is indeed the cytoplasm. The cell membrane is involved in protein transport and signaling, but it does not serve as the site for the translation of proteins.