HESI A2 Biology 2024 Related

Review HESI A2 Biology 2024 related questions and content

What happens to messenger RNA when it reaches the cytoplasm?

  • A. It attaches to a ribosome.
  • B. It unzips, exposing nitrogen bases.
  • C. It pairs with the DNA bases.
  • D. It pulls free of the DNA strand.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. When mRNA reaches the cytoplasm, it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome functions as the site for protein synthesis through translation, where the genetic code carried by mRNA is read and translated into a specific sequence of amino acids. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because mRNA does not unzip, expose nitrogen bases, pair with DNA bases, or pull free of the DNA strand in the cytoplasm. The primary function of mRNA in the cytoplasm is to serve as a template for protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.