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Ch. 3 The Cell
Amerman- Human Anatomy & Physiology 3e
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 15c

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.
The enzyme RNA polymerase builds a strand of transfer RNA, whose codons are complementary to DNA's triplets.

Verified step by step guidance
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Identify the incorrect statement: The problem states that RNA polymerase builds a strand of transfer RNA (tRNA) whose codons are complementary to DNA's triplets. This is false because RNA polymerase synthesizes messenger RNA (mRNA), not tRNA.
Understand the correct function of RNA polymerase: RNA polymerase is responsible for transcribing DNA into mRNA. During transcription, RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes a complementary strand of mRNA.
Clarify the role of mRNA: mRNA contains codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. These codons are complementary to the DNA triplets on the template strand.
Explain the role of tRNA: Transfer RNA (tRNA) does not get synthesized by RNA polymerase. Instead, tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that pairs with the complementary codon on the mRNA strand.
Correct the statement: RNA polymerase builds a strand of messenger RNA (mRNA), whose codons are complementary to DNA's triplets. This mRNA is then used during translation to guide the assembly of a protein.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

RNA Polymerase

RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme in the process of transcription, where it synthesizes RNA from a DNA template. It binds to the promoter region of a gene and unwinds the DNA strands, allowing it to create a complementary RNA strand. This process is crucial for protein synthesis, as it produces messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.
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04:19
1) RNA Processing

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that plays a key role in translating the genetic code from mRNA into proteins. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that is complementary to the codon on the mRNA strand. This ensures that the correct amino acids are added in the proper sequence during protein synthesis.
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Ribosomal tRNA Binding Sites

Codons and Anticodons

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides on mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. Anticodons are the complementary three-nucleotide sequences found on tRNA that pair with the codons on mRNA. This pairing is essential for the accurate translation of the genetic code into functional proteins.
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Introduction to Translation
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

In a gene, each nucleotide specifies one amino acid in a protein sequence.

Textbook Question

Number the following steps of protein synthesis in the order in which they occur, starting with 1 and ending with 9.

a. _____The stop codon is reached, and the polypeptide is released. 

b. _____The small ribosomal subunit finds the start codon, and the large ribosomal subunit joins. 

c. _____The end of the gene is reached, and the pre-mRNA is released and then edited. 

d. _____The transcription factor binds the promoter. 

e. _____The protein is folded and modified to become functional. 

f. _____ RNA polymerase builds the mRNA transcript. 

g. _____mRNA and initiator tRNA bind the small ribosomal subunit. 

h. _____ New tRNAs are brought into the A site successively, and the peptide chain of the tRNA in the P site is joined to the amino acid of the tRNA in the A site.

i. ______mRNA exits the nucleus via a nuclear pore.

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Textbook Question

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

Proteins destined for secretion from the cell enter the nucleus after translation, to be folded and modified.

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Textbook Question

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

A transcription factor must bind to the promoter region of a gene before the enzyme DNA synthetase is able to bind and begin transcription.

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Textbook Question

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

During translation, amino acids are delivered by the messenger RNA transcript.

Textbook Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of the nucleolus?

a. Within the nucleolus we find genes for rRNA.

b. Nucleoli manufacture mitochondrial proteins for export to the cytosol.

c. Nucleoli assemble the nuclear envelope.

d. The nucleolus contains the genes that form the Golgi apparatus.

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