Question

DNA polymerase has multiple mechanisms for editing and error correction whereas the capacity for error correction in RNA polymerases seems to be quite limited. However, like DNA mutation, an RNA polymerase error in transcription can cause production of a mutated protein. The limited error correction of RNA polymerase seems to be inconsistent with the potential serious consequence of producing a protein with an altered amino acid sequence. Select three reasons that explain why error correction is not as necessary in RNA polymerases as it is in DNA polymerases.

Answer 1

RNA polymerases have limited error correction mechanisms compared to DNA polymerases. The limited error correction in RNA polymerases is explained by the short lifespan of RNA, the dynamic nature of RNA function, and the higher mutation tolerance of RNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

RNA polymerases have limited error correction mechanisms compared to DNA polymerases. Here are three reasons why error correction is not as necessary in RNA polymerases:

1. RNA has a relatively short lifespan: RNA molecules typically exist for a short period of time before being degraded. This means that any errors in the RNA sequence are less likely to have a long-term impact compared to errors in DNA.
2. RNA function is more dynamic: RNA molecules can undergo post-transcriptional modifications, such as splicing and editing, that can correct errors in the sequence. These mechanisms allow for the production of a correct protein even if an error occurs during transcription.
3. RNA has a higher mutation tolerance: Unlike DNA, which carries the genetic information of an organism, RNA is more mutable and can tolerate a certain level of errors without significant consequences. This is because RNA is involved in a variety of processes and functions, and a single mutated RNA molecule may not have a major impact on the overall functioning of the cell.

Answer 2

The given question is incomplete as the option are not provided however, the correct options are as follows:

Defective proteins are often degraded quickly, making their effects temporary.

Single amino acid substitutions caused by errors in mRNA transcription would not affect protein function.

Unlike DNA mutations, mRNA transcripts have short half-lives and are not inherited across many generations.

Degradation of defective proteins activates mRNA repair pathways RNA polymerases synthesize many transcripts per gene, so only a small fraction of RNA transcripts would have errors.

ch mRNA molecule is only translated once and then degraded

Answer:

The correct answer is - statements 1, 3, and 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

DNA polymerase is the enzyme that is responsible for the production of the new DNA molecule and any mutation in this enzyme that will inhibit the DNA repair process which affects future generations.

RNA polymerase is an enzyme that is responsible for the transcription of DNA to mRNA and any error-prone mRNAs have chances of degradation. Error in DNA replication is from generation to generation as it is inherited

The process of transcription is quick.