Final answer:
The correct order of eukaryotic gene expression steps is transcription (DNA to pre-mRNA), processing of pre-mRNA to mature mRNA, mRNA transport to the cytoplasm, and translation by ribosomes to make proteins. Hence, the answer is d. 2; 1; 4; 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Correct Order of Eukaryotic Gene Expression Steps
The process of eukaryotic gene expression involves multiple intricate steps to ensure that the genetic information encoded in DNA is accurately expressed as proteins. The correct order of the steps provided starts with transcription, where DNA is used as a template to make pre-mRNA (step 2). The next step is the processing of the pre-mRNA to make mature mRNA (step 1), which includes capping, polyadenylation, and splicing. Once processed, the mRNA is transported out of the nucleus to the cytoplasm (step 4). Finally, ribosomes translate the mRNA sequence into a polypeptide chain, which will fold to become a functional protein (step 3). Thus, the correct sequence is:
DNA is used as a template to make pre-mRNA (transcription)
Pre-mRNA is processed to make mRNA
mRNA is transported to the cytoplasm
Ribosomes translate the mRNA message to make proteins (translation)
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is option d. 2; 1; 4; 3.