Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
RNA is involved in which of the following cellular processes?
A
Photosynthesis
B
Lipid metabolism
C
DNA replication
D
Protein synthesis
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of RNA in cellular processes. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a molecule that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins, acting as a messenger and a translator between DNA and the ribosomes where proteins are made.
Step 2: Recall the central dogma of molecular biology, which states that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. RNA is transcribed from DNA and then translated into proteins, making it essential for protein synthesis.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. Photosynthesis is a process primarily involving chlorophyll and other pigments, not RNA. Lipid metabolism involves enzymes and pathways for lipid synthesis and breakdown, which are not directly dependent on RNA. DNA replication involves DNA polymerase and other proteins, but RNA is not the main molecule involved.
Step 4: Focus on protein synthesis. RNA is directly involved in this process through three main types: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA, tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome, and rRNA forms part of the ribosome structure.
Step 5: Conclude that RNA is specifically involved in protein synthesis, as it facilitates the translation of genetic information into functional proteins, which is not the case for the other processes listed.