[Campbell Biology P.133] Considering the roles of nucleic acids and proteins in a eukaryotic... | Practice Question

Considering the roles of nucleic acids and proteins in a eukaryotic cell, which statement most accurately describes their functions and locations in the process of gene expression?

  • A: DNA in the cytoplasm serves as the primary genetic material, directly dictating all cellular functions.
  • B: mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus and then moves to ribosomes in the cytoplasm to direct protein synthesis, which carry out cellular functions.
  • C: Proteins are synthesized in the nucleus to store genetic information, which is then used by DNA in the cytoplasm.
  • D: Nucleotides in the cytoplasm form long chains to become functional proteins, while DNA remains in the nucleus providing structural support.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Messenger RNA conveys genetic instructions for building proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Prokaryotic cells lack nuclei but still use mRNA to convey a message from the DNA to ribosomes and other cellular equipment that translate the coded information into amino acid sequences.' And 'The sites of protein synthesis are cellular structures called ribosomes. In a eukaryotic cell, ribosomes are in the cytoplasm...but DNA resides in the nucleus.' This confirms mRNA's synthesis in the nucleus and its role in directing protein synthesis on ribosomes in the cytoplasm, with proteins being the functional molecules.