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Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksHoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th EditionCh. 3 Cells: The Living UnitsProblem 9
Chapter 3, Problem 9

The RNA synthesized on one of the DNA strands is:
a. mRNA
b. tRNA
c. rRNA
d. all of these.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand that RNA is synthesized from a DNA template strand during the process called transcription.
Step 2: Recognize that the primary RNA product synthesized directly from the DNA template is messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Step 3: Note that transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) are also types of RNA, but they are not directly synthesized as the initial transcript from the DNA strand; they are processed and assembled differently.
Step 4: Conclude that the RNA synthesized directly on one of the DNA strands during transcription is mRNA.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer is the RNA type that is the direct transcript of DNA, which is mRNA.

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Key Concepts

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

Types of RNA

RNA molecules include mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, each serving distinct roles in protein synthesis. mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, tRNA brings amino acids during translation, and rRNA forms the core of ribosome structure.
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1) RNA Processing

Transcription Process

Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template strand. During this process, RNA polymerase reads one DNA strand to produce a complementary RNA strand, which can be mRNA, tRNA, or rRNA depending on the gene transcribed.
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1) Initiation of Transcription

DNA Template Strand

The DNA template strand is the specific strand of DNA used by RNA polymerase to synthesize RNA. It is complementary to the RNA produced, ensuring accurate transfer of genetic information during transcription.
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Introduction to DNA Replication
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The nuclear substance composed of histone proteins and DNA is:

a. Chromatin

b. The nucleolus

c. Nucleoplasm

d. Nuclear pores

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Textbook Question

The phase of mitosis during which centrioles reach the poles and chromosomes attach to the spindle is

a. Anaphase

b. Metaphase

c. Prophase

d. Telophase

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Textbook Question

A physiologist observes that the concentration of sodium inside a cell is decidedly lower than that outside the cell. She also observes that there is a small leakage of sodium into the cell. What cellular process prevents the sodium concentration gradient from disappearing?

a. Osmosis

b. Diffusion

c. Primary active transport

d. Secondary active transport

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Textbook Question

The information sequence that determines the nature of a protein is:

a. Nucleotide

b. Gene

c. Triplet

d. Codon

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Textbook Question

Cells lining the trachea have whiplike motile extensions on their free surfaces. What are these extensions, what is their source, and what is their function?

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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

116
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