Final answer:
The 'magic spot' nucleotides, ppGpp and pppGpp, are synthesized by RelA and SpoT enzymes in E. coli as part of the stringent response to stress. The statement that RelA degrades 'magic spot' is incorrect; it, in fact, helps in its synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "magic spot" refers to guanosine tetraphosphate or pentaphosphate, denoted as ppGpp and pppGpp respectively. In bacteria such as E. coli, these nucleotides are synthesized in response to nutritional starvation and other stresses and act as stringent response mediators, altering gene expression to help the cell adapt to changing conditions. The correct answer to the question "Which of the following does not describe 'magic spot'?" is C) It can be degraded by RelA. Magic spot nucleotides are actually synthesized by RelA and SpoT enzymes. RelA is responsible for synthesizing ppGpp during amino acid starvation, while SpoT can both synthesize and degrade these nucleotides under various stress conditions. Thus, magic spot is a nucleotide involved in the stress response of E. coli.