Cells Use RNA To Make Protein

Overview

The process of how cells use RNA to make proteins is called the Central Dogma. The genetic information held in DNA is copied into RNA in a process called transcription. This RNA molecule, called messenger RNA (mRNA), then travels to ribosomes, which are the protein-making factories of the cell. At the ribosome, mRNA is translated into protein in a process called translation, where the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA is used to specify the sequence of amino acids in a protein. This process is essential because the proteins produced from DNA are the building blocks of cells and tissues.

Questions and Answers

  1. What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

    The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

  2. What is transcription?

    Transcription is the process by which the genetic information in DNA is copied into RNA.

  3. What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

    RNA polymerase is the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.

  4. What is messenger RNA (mRNA)?

    Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the type of RNA that carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

  5. What is translation?

    Translation is the process by which the genetic code in mRNA is used to synthesize proteins.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What is the process of creating an mRNA copy of a DNA sequence called?

    a) Translation
    b) Transcription
    c) Replication
    d) Transformation
    Answer: b) Transcription

  2. Which type of RNA carries amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis?

    a) mRNA
    b) rRNA
    c) tRNA
    d) snRNA
    Answer: c) tRNA

  3. What is the complementary sequence on a tRNA molecule that pairs with an mRNA codon?

    a) Anticodon
    b) Codon
    c) Promoter
    d) Terminator
    Answer: a) Anticodon

  4. Which enzyme synthesizes RNA from the DNA template during transcription?

    a) DNA polymerase
    b) RNA polymerase
    c) Ligase
    d) Helicase
    Answer: b) RNA polymerase

  5. What signals the start of translation in mRNA?

    a) UGA codon
    b) AUG codon
    c) UAA codon
    d) UAG codon
    Answer: b) AUG codon