Understanding Protein Synthesis

What is the name of the process by which mRNA is made from a DNA template?

• Translation

• Transcription

• Replication

• Transformation

Answer explanation

The process by which mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template is called transcription. During transcription, the DNA sequence is copied into mRNA, which then carries the genetic information for protein synthesis.

Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?

• Mitochondria

• Ribosome

• Nucleus

• Lysosome

Answer explanation

The ribosome is the organelle responsible for protein synthesis in the cell. It translates messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains, forming proteins essential for various cellular functions.

What is the monomer unit of a protein?

• Nucleotide

• Amino acid

• Fatty acid

• Monosaccharide

Answer explanation

The monomer unit of a protein is an amino acid. Proteins are polymers made up of long chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, making amino acids the fundamental building blocks of proteins.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

Which type of RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome?

• mRNA

• tRNA

• rRNA

• snRNA

Answer explanation

tRNA, or transfer RNA, is responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. It matches the amino acids to the corresponding codons on the mRNA, facilitating the assembly of proteins.

What is the three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid called?

• Anticodon

• Codon

• Exon

• Intron

Answer explanation

The three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid is called a codon. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid during protein synthesis, distinguishing it from terms like anticodon, exon, and intron.

During translation, which molecule acts as the template for assembling amino acids?

• DNA

• mRNA

• tRNA

• rRNA

Answer explanation

During translation, mRNA serves as the template for assembling amino acids into proteins. It carries the genetic information from DNA, which is then translated by ribosomes with the help of tRNA and rRNA.

Which base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

• Thymine

• Adenine

• Uracil

• Cytosine

Answer explanation

Uracil is a base found in RNA, replacing thymine which is present in DNA. This difference is crucial for the structure and function of these nucleic acids.

What is the first step in protein synthesis?

• Translation

• Transcription

• Replication

• Mutation

Answer explanation

The first step in protein synthesis is transcription, where the DNA sequence is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then serves as a template for translation, the next step in the process.

Which of the following best describes the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

• They store genetic information.

• They assemble amino acids into proteins.

• They transport proteins.

• They replicate DNA.

Answer explanation

Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis as they assemble amino acids into proteins by linking them together in the correct order, based on the instructions from mRNA. This makes 'They assemble amino acids into proteins' the correct choice.

Given the DNA sequence: 5'-ATG CCG TAA-3', what would be the corresponding mRNA sequence?

• 5'-UAC GGC AUU-3'

• 5'-UAC GGC UAA-3'

• 5'-AUG CCG UAA-3'

• 5'-TAC GGC ATT-3'

Answer explanation

The DNA sequence 5'-ATG CCG TAA-3' is transcribed to mRNA by replacing thymine (T) with uracil (U). Thus, the corresponding mRNA sequence is 5'-AUG CCG UAA-3', which matches the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1