Tetracycline is an antibiotic that blocks tRNA from entering the ribosome and associating with mRNA. If tetracycline were added to the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, which types of proteins would be made?(1 point)
If tetracycline were added to the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell and it blocked tRNA from entering the ribosome and associating with mRNA, this would significantly impair protein synthesis in the cell. As a result, the production of all types of proteins would be affected, leading to a reduction or absence of protein synthesis.
If tetracycline were added to the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell and it blocks tRNA from entering the ribosome and associating with mRNA, it would inhibit the translation process. As a result, the synthesis of most proteins would be affected. Without tRNA being able to bind to the ribosome and associate with mRNA, the ribosome would not be able to read the genetic code and produce specific proteins that are essential for various cellular functions. Therefore, the production of all types of proteins in the eukaryotic cell would be affected.
To determine the effect of tetracycline on protein synthesis in a eukaryotic cell, we need to understand the process of translation. Translation is the process by which proteins are synthesized in a cell.
During translation, the genetic information encoded in mRNA is decoded by ribosomes, which are the cellular machines responsible for protein synthesis. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, where they are added sequentially to the growing polypeptide chain according to the mRNA code.
In the case of tetracycline, it specifically blocks the binding of tRNA molecules to the ribosome. As a result, the process of translation is disrupted, leading to a decrease in protein synthesis.
However, not all proteins in a eukaryotic cell require ribosomes for their synthesis. There are two main types of proteins that would still continue to be made even in the presence of tetracycline:
1. Pre-existing proteins: There is a continuous turnover of proteins in cells, and many proteins already present in the cell would continue to function without requiring new synthesis.
2. Non-ribosomal proteins: Eukaryotic cells have several non-ribosomal protein synthesis pathways that do not rely on the translation machinery. These include proteins synthesized within the mitochondria and plastids, as well as those involved in post-translational modifications and processing.
Therefore, in the presence of tetracycline, the synthesis of newly synthesized proteins that require the ribosome for translation would be affected, while proteins already present in the cell and those synthesized through non-ribosomal pathways would still be made.