Question

Describe the role of nucleic acids in the differentiation model shown here.

a. Nucleic acids regulate cell division; Ignore differentiation
b. Nucleic acids control genetic information during cell specialization
c. Nucleic acids maintain cell structure; Downplay differentiation
d. Nucleic acids have no role in cell differentiation; Focus on cell division

Answer 1

Nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA are crucial for cell differentiation and specialization by controlling genetic information and protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA, play a vital role in cell differentiation and specialization. The genetic information contained within DNA dictates cellular functions by determining the sequences of amino acids in proteins through transcription and translation processes. In essence, DNA carries the code that is responsible for turning genes 'on' or 'off,' which is crucial for the specialization of cells in multicellular organisms. RNA, in its various forms such as mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA, carries out and regulates the synthesis of proteins based on the instructions from DNA.

As cells divide and differentiate, the role of nucleic acids is central in ensuring that the necessary proteins are produced for each cell's unique function. Therefore, option (b), which states that nucleic acids control genetic information during cell specialization, best describes their role in the differentiation model presented.