Translation converts the information stored in _ to _.
A. DNA . . . a polypeptide
B. RNA . . . a polypeptide
C. DNA . . . RNA
D. protein . . . DNA
E. RNA . . . DNA
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is B. RNA . . . a polypeptide.
Explanation:
Translation is one of the key processes in protein synthesis, occurring after transcription, and it involves the conversion of genetic information from RNA into a functional protein. To understand this process, let’s break it down into key steps.
1. The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology:
The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. It begins with DNA being transcribed into RNA in a process known as transcription. Once RNA is synthesized, it undergoes translation to produce a polypeptide (a sequence of amino acids that will fold into a functional protein).
2. RNA as the Template for Translation:
During translation, mRNA (messenger RNA), which carries the genetic information copied from DNA, serves as the template. The process takes place in the ribosome in the cytoplasm. tRNA (transfer RNA) molecules bring the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, based on the codons in the mRNA. Each mRNA codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal for protein synthesis.
The sequence of codons in the mRNA dictates the order in which amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds. This sequence of amino acids will eventually fold into a functional protein, which is essential for cellular functions.
3. Summary of the Process:
- Transcription: DNA is transcribed into mRNA (a type of RNA).
- Translation: The mRNA is translated by the ribosome into a sequence of amino acids, forming a polypeptide.
Why Not Other Choices?
- A. DNA → a polypeptide: DNA is not directly translated into a polypeptide. It first must be transcribed into RNA.
- C. DNA → RNA: This is the process of transcription, not translation.
- D. protein → DNA: Proteins are not translated into DNA.
- E. RNA → DNA: This is not part of the central dogma and doesn’t occur in normal cellular processes (except in retroviruses, which is an exception).
Thus, the correct process of translation involves RNA being translated into a polypeptide.