Which one of the following statements is incorrect?
A) In biological membranes, the fluid mosaic model states that a membrane is a fluid structure with a
‘mosaic’ of various components, including proteins
B) Stained chromosomes are large enough to be seen under a light microscope
C) Ribosomes attach to the 5’-end of mRNA
D) One of the functions of the Golgi apparatus is to modify products that are produced by the endoplasmic
reticulum
E) During metaphase of mitosis, chromosomes are being moved to opposite sides of the cell
C) Ribosomes attach to the 5’-end of mRNA
why?
Ribosomes actually attach to the 5'-end of the mRNA during translation, not the 3'-end. The ribosome binds to the mRNA at the start codon, which is located near the 5'-end of the mRNA molecule. This is where protein synthesis begins. Therefore, statement C) is incorrect.
In order to determine which statement is incorrect, let's analyze each option:
A) The fluid mosaic model is an accurate representation of biological membranes. It states that a membrane is a fluid structure with a 'mosaic' of various components, including proteins. This statement is correct and should not be considered as incorrect.
B) Stained chromosomes can indeed be visualized under a light microscope. This is a widely used technique in cytology and genetics. This statement is correct and should not be considered as incorrect.
C) Ribosomes actually attach to the 5'-end of mRNA. This step is crucial for protein synthesis. Therefore, this statement is correct and should not be considered as incorrect.
D) The Golgi apparatus is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids produced by the endoplasmic reticulum. This statement is correct and should not be considered as incorrect.
E) During metaphase of mitosis, chromosomes align and attach to the spindle fibers at the center of the cell. They are not yet being moved to opposite sides of the cell. This statement is incorrect and should be considered as the incorrect option.
Therefore, the incorrect statement is E) During metaphase of mitosis, chromosomes are being moved to opposite sides of the cell.