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Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecular structures contain codons?
A
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
B
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
C
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
D
DNA polymerase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of codons: Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in RNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. They are part of the genetic code used in translation.
Identify the role of each molecule listed: Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the codons on mRNA using its anticodon. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural and functional component of ribosomes, aiding in protein synthesis. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome and contains codons. DNA polymerase is an enzyme involved in DNA replication and does not contain codons.
Focus on mRNA: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the molecule that directly contains codons. These codons are read by the ribosome during translation to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
Clarify why other molecules do not contain codons: tRNA has anticodons that pair with mRNA codons, but it does not contain codons itself. rRNA is involved in the structure and function of ribosomes but does not encode codons. DNA polymerase is an enzyme and does not participate in the coding process.
Conclude that mRNA is the correct answer: Based on the explanation, mRNA is the molecular structure that contains codons, which are essential for translating genetic information into proteins.