Chapter 9, Problem 1SA

A chromosome contains many different gene regions that are transcribed into different ________.

a. proteins	c. $\text{RNAs}$
b. polypeptides	d. $\text{DNA}$ strands

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

There is a variety of living organisms that are present in the environment. Most of the organisms contain a nucleus in which the genetic material is stored. The genetic material plays a very crucial role in the functions of the organism. A chromosome is a part of genetic material that contains genes. It is present in the nucleus.

Answer to Problem 1SA

Correct answer:

The regions of a chromosome that contains genes are transcribed into $\underset{\_}{RNAs}$. Hence, the correct answer is option c.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct answer:

Option c. is given as “$\text{RNAs}$”.

$\text{DNA}$ stands for “Deoxyribonucleic acid.” The eukaryotic organisms contain $\text{DNA}$ as their $\text{DNA}$ genetic material. The part of that has genes is called chromosomes. The process of converting the $\text{DNA}$ strand into $\text{RNA}$ is termed as transcription. These $\text{RNA}$ molecules then undergo a process called as translation to form proteins. Therefore, the genes present in the chromosome are transcribed into $\text{RNA}$ to produce proteins.

Reason for incorrect answer:

Option a. is given as, “proteins.”

The process of producing proteins from the information present in the genes is called translation. However, transcription does not include the conversion of information present in the genes into proteins. Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option b. is given as, “polypeptides.”

The units that join amino acids together to form protein molecules are called polypeptides. This type of conversion is not observed during transcription. However, the process of formation of polypeptides from the information present in the genes is called translation and not transcription. Hence, option b. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as, “$\text{DNA}$ strands”.

A nucleotide contains three constituents that are “pentose sugar (deoxyribose), nitrogenous bases and a phosphate group.” Many nucleotides join together to form a polymer called as nucleic acid. $\text{DNA}$ is also a nucleic acid. The new $\text{DNA}$ strands arise from the existing $\text{DNA}$ strands by a process called replication. However, transcription has no role in the formation of $\text{DNA}$ strands. Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, the options a., b., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

The genes present on the chromosomes are transcribed into $\text{RNAs}$ by the process called transcription. Thus, the correct answer is option c.