Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Translation

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Translation

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Problem 9

Textbook Question

Within a cell, the amount of protein made using a given mRNA molecule depends partly ona. the degree of DNA methylation.b. the rate at which the mRNA is degraded.c. the number of introns present in the mRNA.d. the types of ribosomes present in the cytoplasm.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the role of mRNA in protein synthesis: mRNA serves as a template for translating genetic information into proteins.

Consider the factors that influence protein synthesis from mRNA: stability and availability of mRNA are crucial for determining how much protein is produced.

Evaluate each option: a) DNA methylation affects gene expression at the transcriptional level, not directly at the mRNA level. b) The rate of mRNA degradation directly impacts how long mRNA is available for translation, thus affecting protein production. c) Introns are non-coding regions removed during mRNA processing, so their presence in mature mRNA is not relevant. d) Ribosome types can influence translation efficiency but are not directly related to mRNA stability.

Focus on the option that directly affects mRNA availability: The rate of mRNA degradation determines how long the mRNA can be used for protein synthesis.

Conclude that the correct factor influencing protein production from mRNA is the rate at which the mRNA is degraded.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

mRNA Degradation

mRNA degradation refers to the process by which messenger RNA molecules are broken down in the cell. This process is crucial because the stability and lifespan of mRNA directly influence how much protein can be synthesized. If mRNA is rapidly degraded, it will result in lower protein production, while stable mRNA can lead to higher levels of protein synthesis.

DNA Methylation

DNA methylation is a biochemical process involving the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, typically at cytosine bases. This modification can affect gene expression by silencing genes or altering their transcriptional activity. While it plays a role in regulating gene expression, its direct impact on the amount of protein produced from a specific mRNA is less immediate compared to mRNA degradation.

Ribosome Function

Ribosomes are cellular structures that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins. The types of ribosomes present in the cytoplasm can influence the efficiency and rate of protein synthesis. Different ribosomal subunits may have varying affinities for specific mRNAs, affecting how effectively the genetic code is translated into functional proteins.