Which of the following options best depicts the flow of information when a gene directs the synthesis of a protein?
protein>RNA>DNA
RNA>DNA>RNA>protein
DNA>RNA>protein
DNA>tRNA>mRNA>protein
The correct option that depicts the flow of information when a gene directs the synthesis of a protein is: DNA > RNA > protein.
Here's an explanation of the flow of information in this process:
1. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins.
2. Transcription: The DNA sequence of a gene is "transcribed" into a corresponding RNA molecule in a process called transcription. An enzyme called RNA polymerase binds to the DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule. This RNA molecule is called messenger RNA (mRNA).
3. mRNA (Messenger RNA): It carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis.
4. Translation: The mRNA then moves to the ribosomes, where it acts as a template for the synthesis of a protein in a process called translation.
5. tRNA (Transfer RNA): tRNA molecules act as "adapters" by carrying specific amino acids to the ribosome. The amino acids are connected together to form a protein chain.
6. Protein synthesis: The ribosome reads the information on the mRNA molecule and links the appropriate amino acids together to form a protein. The sequence of amino acids determines the structure and function of the protein.
So, in summary, the flow of information from gene expression to protein synthesis is DNA > RNA > protein.