Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

What takes place during translation in the cell?

1. DNA is replicated to form two identical strands

2. Proteins are synthesized based on the mRNA code

3. RNA is transcribed from a DNA template

4. Genes are mutated due to environmental factors

The correct answer is: Proteins are synthesized based on the mRNA code

During translation in the cell, proteins are synthesized based on the mRNA code. This process occurs after transcription, where messenger RNA (mRNA) is generated from a DNA template. Translation involves the interpretation of the mRNA sequence by ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery responsible for assembling amino acids into polypeptide chains to form proteins. Each triplet of nucleotides in the mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid, and the ribosome facilitates the binding of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, which bring the appropriate amino acids in accordance with the mRNA sequence. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, it catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids, ultimately creating a functional protein that will perform various roles within the cell, including enzymatic activity, structural functions, and signaling pathways. The other options refer to different cellular processes: DNA replication involves copying genetic material, transcription refers to the synthesis of RNA from DNA, and mutations are changes in the genetic sequence often caused by environmental factors or errors during DNA replication, none of which occur during translation.