Multiple Choice
Which of the following mutations, occurring just after the start codon in the mRNA is likely to have the most serious effects on the polypeptide product?
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29. Heredity
Factors Affecting Gene Expression
2:59 minutesProblem 10
Textbook Question
The RNA species that travels from the nucleus to the cytoplasm carrying the coded message specifying the sequence of amino acids in the protein to be made is
a. mRNA
b. tRNA
c. rRNA
d. all of these
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of RNA in protein synthesis: RNA is a nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in the process of translating genetic information into proteins. There are three main types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Each has a distinct function.
Review the function of mRNA: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized in the nucleus during transcription. It carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. This code specifies the sequence of amino acids in the protein to be made.
Review the function of tRNA: Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome during translation. It matches the codons on the mRNA with the corresponding amino acids using its anticodon region.
Review the function of rRNA: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural component of ribosomes. It helps facilitate the assembly of amino acids into proteins by providing a platform for translation.
Determine the correct answer: Based on the descriptions above, identify which RNA species travels from the nucleus to the cytoplasm carrying the coded message specifying the sequence of amino acids in the protein to be made. This is the role of mRNA.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
mRNA (messenger RNA)
mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of RNA that is synthesized from DNA during transcription. It carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids in a protein, making it crucial for translating genetic code into functional proteins.
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2) RNA Splicing Creates Mature mRNA
tRNA (transfer RNA)
tRNA, or transfer RNA, is a type of RNA that plays a key role in translating the mRNA sequence into a protein. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on the mRNA strand. While tRNA is essential for protein synthesis, it does not carry the coded message from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
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06:16Ribosomal tRNA Binding Sites
rRNA (ribosomal RNA)
rRNA, or ribosomal RNA, is a structural component of ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery that synthesizes proteins. rRNA helps to facilitate the binding of mRNA and tRNA during translation, ensuring that amino acids are linked in the correct order. Although rRNA is vital for protein synthesis, it does not carry genetic information from the nucleus.
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08:42Ribosome Subunits
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