Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What does protein synthesis involve?

1. Only transcription processes

2. The cell making proteins using the DNA code

3. Only translation processes

4. The formation of nucleotides

The correct answer is: The cell making proteins using the DNA code

Protein synthesis is a crucial biological process that involves creating proteins based on the information encoded in DNA. The correct answer emphasizes that this process includes the cell making proteins using the DNA code. This process occurs in two main stages: transcription and translation. During transcription, a section of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA serves as a template that carries the genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. The next stage, translation, involves the ribosomes reading the mRNA sequence and using transfer RNA (tRNA) to build the corresponding protein by linking together the appropriate amino acids in the correct order. The other options do not encompass the full scope of protein synthesis. For instance, limiting the process to only transcription processes ignores the critical step of translation. Similarly, stating that protein synthesis involves only translation overlooks the essential role of transcription in initiating protein synthesis. Lastly, focusing on the formation of nucleotides pertains to a different aspect of genetic material and does not accurately describe the overall process of synthesizing proteins from the DNA code.