Final answer:
When the signal recognition particle (SRP) binds to the growing polypeptide and to the ribosome, it pauses translation and directs the ribosome-polypeptide complex to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the signal recognition particle (SRP) binds to the growing polypeptide and to the ribosome, the immediate effect on protein synthesis is that it pauses translation. The SRP recognizes a signal sequence on the polypeptide, and when it binds to the ribosome, it halts the translocation of the polypeptide through the ribosome. This allows the SRP to direct the ribosome-polypeptide complex to the endoplasmic reticulum, where protein synthesis can resume.