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

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

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of RNA polymerase: RNA polymerase is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
Identify the type of gene being transcribed: The problem specifies that the gene being transcribed is a protein-coding gene. Protein-coding genes are responsible for producing messenger RNA (mRNA).
Recall the function of mRNA: mRNA serves as the template for protein synthesis during translation. It carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are assembled.
Eliminate incorrect options: rRNA (ribosomal RNA) and tRNA (transfer RNA) are involved in the translation process but are not produced from protein-coding genes. snRNA (small nuclear RNA) is involved in RNA splicing and is not related to protein-coding genes.
Conclude that the correct answer is mRNA, as it is the RNA product synthesized by RNA polymerase when transcribing a protein-coding gene.

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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 during transcription, including messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Each type has a distinct role; for instance, mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis, while rRNA and tRNA are involved in the translation process.
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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 essential for cellular function and response to environmental changes.
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Related Practice
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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Textbook Question

Splicing begins:

a. As transcription occurs.

b. After transcription is complete.

c. As translation occurs.

d. After translation is complete.

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Textbook Question

Compared with mRNAs that have a cap and tail, predict what will be observed if a eukaryotic mRNA lacked a cap and poly(A) tail.

a. The primary transcript would not be processed properly.

b. Translation would occur inefficiently.

c. Enzymes on the ribosome would add a cap and poly(A) tail.

d. tRNAs would become more resistant to degradation.

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