Which involves RNA?
a. transcription
b. replication
c. translation
d. b and c
e. a and c
The correct answer is (e) a and c, which means both transcription and translation involve RNA.
To understand how to arrive at this answer, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of molecular biology and gene expression. Let's break down each process:
1. Transcription: This is the process by which a copy of genetic information in DNA is made using RNA. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase synthesizes an RNA molecule, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), by complementary base pairing with the DNA template strand. This newly synthesized mRNA then carries the genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it will be translated into a protein.
2. Translation: Translation is the process where the genetic information carried by mRNA is used to assemble proteins. It occurs in the ribosomes, and the mRNA sequence is read in triplets of nucleotides called codons. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid or a signal to start or stop protein synthesis. Another type of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the corresponding amino acids to the ribosome, where they are linked together to form a polypeptide chain, eventually folding into a functional protein.
3. Replication: Replication is the process by which DNA creates an identical copy of itself. It is crucial for cell division and the transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. Unlike transcription and translation, replication does not involve RNA. Instead, it uses DNA polymerase and other enzymes to synthesize a new DNA strand that is complementary to each of the original DNA strands.
Knowing this information, we can conclude that transcription (option a) involves the synthesis of RNA, specifically mRNA. Additionally, translation (option c) involves reading the mRNA codons to create proteins. Therefore, the correct answer is (e) a and c, as both transcription and translation are RNA-dependent processes.