[Campbell Biology P.151] Consider the process of protein synthesis as described in the text.... | Practice Question

Consider the process of protein synthesis as described in the text. If the nuclear pores were to become completely non-functional, which immediate consequence would be most critical for protein synthesis initiation in the cytoplasm?

  • A: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis in the nucleolus would cease.
  • B: Messenger RNA (mRNA) would be unable to exit the nucleus to reach cytoplasmic ribosomes.
  • C: Proteins needed for ribosome assembly would not be able to enter the nucleolus.
  • D: The nuclear lamina would lose its structural integrity, disrupting the nucleus shape.

Explanation

The text states that mRNA carries information from the DNA and is transported to the cytoplasm via nuclear pores for translation by ribosomes. If nuclear pores are non-functional, mRNA cannot exit the nucleus, directly preventing protein synthesis initiation in the cytoplasm. While other processes like ribosome assembly might be affected Option C , the direct blockage of mRNA export is the most critical immediate consequence for initiating protein synthesis in the cytoplasm.