GRE Subject Test: Biology : Understanding Translation
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biology
All GRE Subject Test: Biology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Understanding Translation
A protein that will be embedded in the plasma membrane is likely to be translated by __________.
cytosolic ribosomes
nuclear ribosomes
ribosomes bound to the Golgi apparatus
ribosomes bound to the endoplasmic reticulum
ribosomes bound to the endoplasmic reticulum
Most proteins that will be embedded in the plasma membrane are translated on ribosomes located in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. There are specific mechanisms and proteins that help insert the proteins into the membrane while they are being translated. Free-floating proteins are more likely to be translated in the cytosol. The nucleus and the Golgi do not have ribosomes used for translation, though the Golgi can play an important role in transporting proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the membrane.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Translation
What site in the ribosome contains the elongating polypeptide?
E site
R site
P site
A site
P site
A tRNA that is attached to one amino acid will enter the ribosomal complex at the A site. It will then receive the growing polypeptide chain from the previous tRNA and move into the P site. Once handing off the chain, the tRNA that no longer has an amino acid will exit the ribosome at the E site.
The peptide chain is always anchored in the P site, where peptide bond synthesis occurs.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Translation
Which of the following is true concerning the genetic code?
One codon can code for multiple amino acids
A codon codes for one amino acid
An amino acid has only one codon
Translation typically ends once the whole mRNA is read by the ribosome
A codon codes for one amino acid
The genetic code is unambiguous, meaning that each given codon will always code for the same amino acid. An amino acid, however, can be coded for by multiple codons, making the genetic code degenerative in nature. Once a stop codon is reached during translation, the ribosome stops making the protein.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All GRE Subject Test: Biology Resources
