Within a cell, the amount of protein made using a given mRNA molecule depends partly on a. the degree of DNA methylation. b. the rate at which the mRNA is degraded. c. the number of introns present in the mRNA. d. the types of ribosomes present in the cytoplasm.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking about the factors that influence the amount of protein made using a given mRNA molecule within a cell.
2. Step 2: Review each of the options and evaluate their relevance to protein synthesis. Option a. DNA methylation is a process that modifies the function of the DNA and affects gene expression, but it does not directly influence the amount of protein made from a given mRNA molecule.
3. Step 3: Consider option b. The rate at which the mRNA is degraded can indeed affect the amount of protein made. If mRNA is degraded quickly, it will be available for translation (protein synthesis) for a shorter period of time, resulting in less protein being made.
4. Step 4: Evaluate option c. The number of introns present in the mRNA does not affect the amount of protein made. Introns are non-coding regions of DNA that are removed during RNA splicing before the mRNA is translated into protein.
5. Step 5: Consider option d. The types of ribosomes present in the cytoplasm do not directly affect the amount of protein made from a given mRNA molecule. All ribosomes function to facilitate the joining of amino acids during protein synthesis.