MCAT Question of the Day
    •

    Q:

    		 A bacterium has been genetically transformed with human Gene A which consists of approximately 800 nucleotides. During expression, researchers notice that the protein is not being translated; only fragments of approximately 50 amino acids are formed. Genetic sequencing shows there are no nonsense mutations in the gene sequence. Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the observation?
    		 

    A

    		 The bacterium lacks the tRNA that corresponds to the particular codon for the 51st amino acid.

    B

    		 The bacterial ribosome is incompatible with the human mRNA and cannot properly translate the protein.

    C

    		 The bacterium is unable to glycosylate the protein, terminating translation early.

    D

    		 The human gene is too long; bacteria can only synthesize proteins up to approximately 50 amino acids.



    Subscribe


    Is Your Score Stuck?

    We can teach you how to crush the MCAT!

    Learn More