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Multiple Choice
Which type of RNA is present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and plays a direct role in the process of translation?
A
Small nuclear RNA (snRNA)
B
MicroRNA (miRNA)
C
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)
D
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of translation. Translation is the process by which the genetic code carried by messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to synthesize proteins. This process occurs in the ribosome, which is a molecular machine composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
Step 2: Identify the role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Ribosomal RNA is a type of RNA that forms the structural and functional core of the ribosome. It facilitates the binding of mRNA and transfer RNA (tRNA) during protein synthesis.
Step 3: Compare rRNA with other types of RNA mentioned in the problem. Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is involved in RNA splicing, microRNA (miRNA) regulates gene expression, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has various regulatory roles. None of these directly participate in translation like rRNA does.
Step 4: Recognize that rRNA is present in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Translation is a universal process, and ribosomes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells rely on rRNA to function.
Step 5: Conclude that ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the correct answer because it directly plays a role in translation by forming the ribosome and facilitating protein synthesis.