mRNA Comparison
A scientist studies the production of a key digestive enzyme in silk moths. The moths have one gene for this enzyme, and the scientist extracts mRNA transcribed from this gene as well as protein translated from it. The gene has three introns in its sequence.
Use the passage to answer the question.
Part A:
If the researcher compares mRNA from inside the nucleus to mRNA from the ribosomes, what will be found?
less mRNA in the nucleus
shorter mRNA in the ribosomes
identical mRNAs in both places
mRNA covalently attached to protein in the nucleus
The correct answer is: identical mRNAs in both places.
mRNA is transcribed from DNA inside the nucleus and then transported to the ribosomes where it is translated into protein. The mRNA molecules created inside the nucleus and the ribosomes should be identical copies of each other, as they are derived from the same gene.