Question

The main function of mRNA is
A) Acting as a template for RNA
B) DNA synthesis
C) Protein synthesis
D) Conversion of DNA to RNA

Answer 1

Hint:The basic function of mRNA is to act as an intermediary between the genetic information in DNA and the amino acid sequence of proteins. The mRNA contains a codon that is interrelated to the sequence of nucleotides on the template DNA and directs the formation of amino acids through the action of ribosomes and tRNA.

Complete answer:As we already referred the function of mRNA is carrying information from DNA to synthesize protein but we do not have both options in the question. So, let's discuss the process of protein synthesis. Generally, Protein synthesis occurs in 3 stages.
1. Initiation: Ribosomal subunits bind to mRNA.
2. Elongation: The ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule binding amino acids and forming a polypeptide chain.
3. Termination: The ribosome reaches a stop codon, which eliminates protein synthesis and releases the ribosome.
During transcription, DNA is used as a template to make a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). The molecule of mRNA then leaves the nucleus and goes to a ribosome in the cytoplasm, where translation or protein synthesis occurs. It contains an amino acid attachment site on one end and a special section in the middle loop called the anticodon site. The anticodon perceives a particular region of mRNA called a codon. tRNA deciphers the message inside the nucleotide grouping of mRNA to a particular amino corrosive succession.
These sequences are joined together to form a protein. Numerous ribosomes attached to the mRNA bearing nascent growing polypeptide chains and synthesize the multiple copies of a protein simultaneously. The template DNA strand assists in RNA synthesis during the transcription while the other strand is called a coding strand as its base sequence is the same as that of newly synthesized mRNA. Option A is incorrect. DNA polymerase enzyme adds nucleotides to synthesize DNA using the base sequence of the parental DNA strand. Option B is incorrect. Primary transcript synthesized during transcription undergoes processing to produce a functional mRNA and is transported to the cytoplasm where it serves as the template for amino acid sequence of the polypeptide, synthesized during protein synthesis. Option C is correct. RNA polymerase enzyme adds ribonucleotides to synthesize RNA using the base sequence of the template DNA strand. Option D is incorrect.
Thus, the correct answer is option C: Protein synthesis.

Note: The mRNA transmits the genetic information, rRNA or ribosomes synthesize protein in the cell and tRNA is an adaptor for mRNA. Messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules carry the coding sequences for protein synthesis and are called transcripts; ribosomal RNA (tRNA) molecules form the core of a cell's ribosomes (the structures in which protein synthesis takes place), and transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.