Textbook Question
List the order of nucleotides on the mRNA that would be transcribed from the following DNA sequence: CGATTACTTA.
Ch. 10 - Genetically Modified Organisms
Belk, Maier6th EditionBiology: Science for LifeISBN: 9780135214084
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Can Science Cure the Common Cold?12
- Ch. 2 - Science Fiction, Bad Science, and Pseudoscience12
- Ch. 3 - Is It Possible to Supplement Your Way to Better Performance and Health?10
- Ch. 4 - Body Weight and Health10
- Ch. 5 - Life in the Greenhouse10
- Ch. 6 - Cancer10
- Ch. 7 - Fertility10
- Ch. 8 - Does Testing Save Lives?10
- Ch. 9 - Biology of Wrongful Convictions10
- Ch. 10 - Genetically Modified Organisms10
- Ch. 11 - Where Did We Come From?13
- Ch. 12 - An Evolving Enemy8
- Ch. 13 - Understanding Race11
- Ch. 14 - The Greatest Species on Earth?8
- Ch. 15 - Is the Human Population Too Large?10
- Ch. 16 - Conserving Biodiversity12
- Ch. 17 - The Human Footprint10
Belk, Maier6th EditionBiology: Science for LifeISBN: 9780135214084Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 3
Transcription ________.
a. Synthesizes new daughter DNA molecules from an existing DNA molecule
b. Results in the synthesis of an RNA copy of a gene
c. Pairs thymines (T) with adenines (A)
d. Occurs on ribosomes
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of transcription: Transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule. This is a key step in gene expression.
Eliminate incorrect options: Option (a) describes DNA replication, not transcription. Option (c) is incorrect because transcription involves pairing adenine (A) with uracil (U) in RNA, not thymine (T). Option (d) is incorrect because transcription occurs in the nucleus (in eukaryotes), not on ribosomes.
Focus on the correct option: Option (b) is correct because transcription results in the synthesis of an RNA copy of a gene, which is complementary to the DNA template strand.
Recall the base-pairing rules in transcription: During transcription, cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G), and adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) in RNA.
Conclude that transcription is the process described in option (b), as it accurately reflects the synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Transcription
Transcription is the biological process in which the information encoded in a specific segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is essential for gene expression, allowing the genetic code to be translated into proteins. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand, which carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
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1) Initiation of Transcription
RNA vs. DNA
RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are both nucleic acids, but they have distinct structures and functions. RNA is typically single-stranded and contains uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA. This difference is crucial during transcription, as RNA is synthesized based on the DNA template, resulting in an RNA copy that can be translated into proteins.
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Role of Ribosomes
Ribosomes are cellular structures that play a critical role in translating mRNA into proteins, but they are not involved in the transcription process itself. Transcription occurs in the nucleus, where mRNA is synthesized, while ribosomes function in the cytoplasm, where they read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids into polypeptides. Understanding this distinction is vital for grasping the flow of genetic information in cells.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Using the genetic code (Table 10.1), list the order of amino acids encoded by the following mRNA nucleotides: CAACGCAUUUUG.
Textbook Question
Transfer RNA (tRNA)
a. Carries monosaccharides to the ribosome for synthesis
b. Is made of messenger RNA
c. Has an anticodon region that is complementary to the mRNA codon
d. Is the site of protein synthesis
Textbook Question
During the process of transcription, ________.
a. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of more DNA.
b. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA.
c. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins.
d. RNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins.
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Textbook Question
Translation results in the production of ________.
a. RNA
b. DNA
c. Protein
d. Individual amino acids
e. Transfer RNA molecules