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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about ubiquitin is TRUE?
A
Ubiquitin is a lipid molecule involved in membrane synthesis.
B
Ubiquitin is a carbohydrate that serves as an energy source for cells.
C
Ubiquitin acts as an enzyme that catalyzes phosphorylation reactions.
D
Ubiquitin is a small protein that tags other proteins for degradation by the proteasome.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding what ubiquitin is. Ubiquitin is a small regulatory protein found in eukaryotic cells. It plays a critical role in tagging proteins for degradation, ensuring proper protein turnover and cellular homeostasis.
Step 2: Evaluate the incorrect options one by one. The first option states that ubiquitin is a lipid molecule involved in membrane synthesis. This is incorrect because ubiquitin is a protein, not a lipid, and it is not involved in membrane synthesis.
Step 3: Analyze the second option, which claims ubiquitin is a carbohydrate that serves as an energy source for cells. This is also incorrect because ubiquitin is not a carbohydrate and does not function as an energy source.
Step 4: Examine the third option, which suggests ubiquitin acts as an enzyme that catalyzes phosphorylation reactions. This is incorrect because ubiquitin is not an enzyme and does not catalyze phosphorylation reactions. Instead, it tags proteins for degradation.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. Ubiquitin is a small protein that tags other proteins for degradation by the proteasome. This process is known as ubiquitination, and it involves the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to target proteins, marking them for breakdown in the proteasome.