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Multiple Choice
If $^{14}$C-labeled uracil is added to the growth medium of cells, which macromolecules will become labeled?
A
RNA
B
Polysaccharides
C
DNA
D
Proteins
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of uracil: Uracil is one of the four nitrogenous bases found in RNA. It pairs with adenine during RNA synthesis. Unlike DNA, which uses thymine, RNA incorporates uracil as a base.
Recognize the labeling mechanism: When $^{14}$C-labeled uracil is added to the growth medium, it will be incorporated into RNA during transcription. This is because uracil is a direct component of RNA nucleotides.
Eliminate macromolecules that do not use uracil: DNA does not contain uracil; it uses thymine instead. Proteins and polysaccharides do not incorporate uracil in their structure, as they are composed of amino acids and sugar monomers, respectively.
Focus on RNA synthesis: RNA is synthesized by RNA polymerase, which uses uracil-containing nucleotides to build the RNA strand. The $^{14}$C label will be incorporated into the RNA molecules during this process.
Conclude that RNA is the labeled macromolecule: Based on the biochemical roles of uracil, only RNA will become labeled when $^{14}$C-labeled uracil is added to the growth medium.