OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What role do ribosomes play in the translation process?

  1. They synthesize mRNA

  2. They decode mRNA to assemble proteins

  3. They protect DNA from damage

  4. They transport amino acids

The correct answer is: They decode mRNA to assemble proteins

Ribosomes play a crucial role in the translation process by decoding messenger RNA (mRNA) to assemble proteins. During translation, ribosomes read the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA and use this information to determine the specific sequence of amino acids that will form a protein. The ribosome facilitates the binding of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, which carry the appropriate amino acids. Each tRNA has an anticodon that matches a codon on the mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. This assembly of amino acids results in a functional protein, which is essential for various cellular functions and processes. The accuracy and efficiency of this decoding process are vital for ensuring that proteins are produced correctly for the cell's needs.