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Ch. 16+17 - Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation
All textbooksFreeman 8th EditionCh. 16+17 - Transcription, RNA Processing, and TranslationProblem 1
Chapter 16, Problem 1

What does a bacterial RNA polymerase produce when it transcribes a protein-coding gene? a. rRNA b. tRNA c. mRNA d. snRNA

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1
Identify the type of RNA produced by bacterial RNA polymerase during transcription of a protein-coding gene.
Understand the roles of different types of RNA: rRNA (ribosomal RNA) forms the core of ribosome's structure and catalyzes protein synthesis; tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis; mRNA (messenger RNA) serves as the template for protein synthesis; snRNA (small nuclear RNA) is involved in the processing of pre-mRNA in eukaryotes.
Recognize that the transcription of a protein-coding gene specifically involves the synthesis of mRNA, which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome where proteins are synthesized.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'c. mRNA', as it is the type of RNA that is produced when a bacterial RNA polymerase transcribes a protein-coding gene.
Review the function of mRNA in the central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

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Key Concepts

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

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. In bacteria, RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of the DNA called the promoter and unwinds the DNA strands. It then synthesizes a complementary RNA strand, which is crucial for gene expression.
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1) Initiation of Transcription

Types of RNA

There are several types of RNA produced in cells, each serving distinct functions. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis, while ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) play roles in the translation process. Understanding these types is essential for grasping the outcomes of transcription.
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Introduction to Types of RNA

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Bacterial RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template in prokaryotes. Unlike eukaryotic cells, bacteria have a single type of RNA polymerase that can transcribe all types of RNA, primarily producing mRNA for protein-coding genes, which is vital for cellular function and response.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

If a base-pair change occurs in DNA, this a. is a mutation. b. would be a mutation only if it falls in a protein-coding part of a gene. c. would be a mutation only if it falls in a transcribed part of the genome. d. is not a mutation, because only one base pair has been altered.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is an important exception to the central dogma of molecular biology? a. Many genes code for RNAs that function directly in the cell. b. DNA is the repository of genetic information in all cells. c. Messenger RNA is a short-lived 'information carrier.' d. Proteins are responsible for most aspects of the phenotype.

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Textbook Question

Where is the start codon located? a. at the start (5′ end) of the mRNA b. in the DNA just upstream of where transcription starts c. at the downstream end of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) d. at the upstream end of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR)

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