Cell Biology

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option c

Explanation
RNA plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis, which occurs in two main stages: transcription and translation.
● Carrying genetic information from DNA (Transcription): mRNA (messenger RNA) is transcribed from DNA and carries the genetic blueprint for a specific protein. It moves from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it is used as a template for protein synthesis.
● Helping synthesize proteins (Translation): During translation, the mRNA interacts with ribosomes (which are made up of ribosomal RNA, or rRNA) and tRNA (transfer RNA) to synthesize proteins. The tRNA transports specific amino acids to the ribosome, where they are added in the correct sequence to form a protein.

Why the other options are not correct:
(a) "It directly forms proteins": RNA itself does not directly form proteins; rather, it facilitates the process of protein synthesis by carrying information or assembling amino acids.
(b) "It acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions": While rRNA helps catalyze the assembly of proteins at the ribosome, RNA in general is not considered a catalyst for reactions like enzymes (proteins are catalysts).
(d) "It transports amino acids to the ribosomes": tRNA specifically performs the function of transporting amino acids, but this is just one type of RNA. RNA in general does not directly transport amino acids.