Question

Which of the following statements about the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is FALSE?

1) The NPC is a very large multi-protein complex
2) The NPC is the only route for entry of proteins into the nucleus
3) The NPC allows the free diffusion of ions into the nucleus
4) The NPC interacts with nuclear transport complexes
5) The NPC is used to establish a gradient of GTP/GDP across the nuclear envelope

Answer 1

The false statement among those given about the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is that the NPC is used to establish a gradient of GTP/GDP across the nuclear envelope (option 5). This is not the function of the NPC, making statement 5 the incorrect one.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a vital component of the nuclear envelope that regulates the transport of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The following statements about the NPC have been presented:

1. The NPC is a very large multi-protein complex.
2. The NPC is the only route for entry of proteins into the nucleus.
3. The NPC allows the free diffusion of ions into the nucleus.
4. The NPC interacts with nuclear transport complexes.
5. The NPC is used to establish a gradient of GTP/GDP across the nuclear envelope.

Out of these statements, the one that is false is "The NPC is used to establish a gradient of GTP/GDP across the nuclear envelope." While the NPC is indeed involved in active transport that utilizes energy from ATP hydrolysis, it doesn't establish a GTP/GDP gradient across the nuclear envelope. Thus, the correct option in the final answer is statement 5.