Which molecule carries genetic information from the nucleus to ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

Which molecule carries genetic information from the nucleus to ribosomes in eukaryotic cells?

• A. DNA
• B. RNA
• C. Both DNA and RNA
• D. Neither

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how genetic information moves from DNA to the site of protein synthesis. In eukaryotic cells, the actual genetic instructions are copied into a single-stranded messenger RNA (mRNA) during transcription in the nucleus. This mRNA is then transported out of the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read its codons and translate them into a chain of amino acids to form a protein. DNA stays in the nucleus and serves as the template, while other RNA types (like ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA) participate in translation but don’t carry the genetic message from nucleus to ribosome. Therefore, messenger RNA is the molecule that carries genetic information to the ribosome.

The main idea is how genetic information moves from DNA to the site of protein synthesis. In eukaryotic cells, the actual genetic instructions are copied into a single-stranded messenger RNA (mRNA) during transcription in the nucleus. This mRNA is then transported out of the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read its codons and translate them into a chain of amino acids to form a protein. DNA stays in the nucleus and serves as the template, while other RNA types (like ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA) participate in translation but don’t carry the genetic message from nucleus to ribosome. Therefore, messenger RNA is the molecule that carries genetic information to the ribosome.