Question

What type of RNA do archaea and eukaryotes make?

1) mRNA
2) rRNA
3) tRNA
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Both archaea and eukaryotes produce all three primary types of RNA: mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA, which are fundamental to the process of protein synthesis. The rRNAs (option 2) are processed from larger precursors, and while eukaryotes accomplish this within the nucleolus, archaea conduct similar processing but with a eukaryotic-like RNA polymerase.

Step-by-step explanation:

Types of RNA in Archaea and Eukaryotes

Archaea and eukaryotes manufacture all major types of RNA, which are essential for the process of protein synthesis. These include:

1. Messenger RNA (mRNA), which copies the genetic instructions from DNA and carries them to the cytoplasm where proteins are synthesized.
2. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA), a key component of ribosomes that also possesses enzymatic functions and plays a vital role in the translation of mRNA into proteins.
3. Transfer RNA (tRNA), which transports amino acids to the ribosomes, where they are assembled into proteins.

The synthesis, processing, and function of these RNA molecules vary between archaea and eukaryotes. Eukaryotes utilize different RNA polymerases to transcribe these RNAs, and the maturation of rRNA occurs within the nucleolus. Archaea have a single RNA polymerase more closely resembling that of eukaryotes than bacteria and perform RNA processing in a way that is similar to eukaryotes.

It is important to note that while rRNA and tRNA are stable molecules, mRNA is more transitory, reflecting its role in conveying genetic information from DNA to the machinery of protein synthesis. The rRNAs in both archaea and eukaryotes are derived from larger precursor molecules which are then processed to create the mature forms necessary for ribosome assembly.