Microbiology Practice Exam

During translation, which substance is formed from RNA?

1. DNA

2. Protein

3. Carbohydrate

4. Lipid

The correct answer is: Protein

During translation, the process of synthesizing proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) takes place. Translation occurs in the ribosome, where mRNA is read in sets of three nucleotides, called codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, which are the building blocks of proteins. The ribosome facilitates the binding of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, which carry specific amino acids. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, it catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between adjacent amino acids, resulting in a growing polypeptide chain. Once the translation process is complete and the polypeptide is released, it undergoes folding and possible post-translational modifications to become a functional protein. The other options do not relate to translation: DNA is produced during replication, carbohydrates are synthesized through processes such as photosynthesis or glycolysis, and lipids are formed through lipid biosynthesis pathways. Therefore, the correct substance formed during translation from RNA is indeed protein.