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.

Key Concepts

mRNA Degradation

mRNA degradation refers to the process by which messenger RNA molecules are broken down in the cell. This process is crucial because the stability and lifespan of mRNA directly influence how much protein can be synthesized. If mRNA is rapidly degraded, it will result in lower protein production, while stable mRNA can lead to higher levels of protein synthesis.

DNA Methylation

DNA methylation is a biochemical process involving the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, typically at cytosine bases. This modification can affect gene expression by silencing genes or altering their transcriptional activity. While it plays a role in regulating gene expression, its direct impact on the amount of protein produced from a specific mRNA is less immediate compared to mRNA degradation.

Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis

Ribosomes are cellular structures that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins. They read the sequence of the mRNA and assemble amino acids in the correct order to form a polypeptide chain. The types of ribosomes present in the cytoplasm can influence the efficiency and rate of protein synthesis, as different ribosomes may have varying affinities for specific mRNA molecules.