Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why do cells require both tRNA and mRNA in the process of protein synthesis?
A
tRNA and mRNA both encode genetic information for protein synthesis.
B
tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, while mRNA provides the template for protein synthesis.
C
tRNA synthesizes proteins directly, while mRNA transports them to the nucleus.
D
tRNA is responsible for transcription, while mRNA is responsible for translation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the roles of mRNA and tRNA in protein synthesis: mRNA (messenger RNA) serves as the template that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. tRNA (transfer RNA) is responsible for bringing the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome to be added to the growing polypeptide chain.
Recognize that mRNA and tRNA do not encode genetic information in the same way. mRNA contains codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids. tRNA has anticodons, which are complementary to the mRNA codons and ensure the correct amino acid is added.
Clarify that tRNA does not synthesize proteins directly. Instead, it plays a crucial role in translation by delivering amino acids to the ribosome, where the ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
Differentiate between transcription and translation: Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA, which occurs in the nucleus. Translation is the process of decoding the mRNA into a polypeptide chain, which occurs in the ribosome in the cytoplasm.
Conclude that the correct answer is that tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, while mRNA provides the template for protein synthesis. This highlights the complementary roles of tRNA and mRNA in the translation phase of protein synthesis.