Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which process involves the decoding of mRNA to synthesize a protein?

1. Replication

2. Transcription

3. Translation

4. Mutation

The correct answer is: Translation

The process that involves the decoding of mRNA to synthesize a protein is translation. During translation, the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA is read by ribosomes, which then assemble amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. This step follows transcription, where DNA is first converted into mRNA. In translation, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, matching their anticodons to the codons on the mRNA strand, facilitating the creation of a polypeptide chain that ultimately folds into a functional protein. Replication is concerned with copying DNA to ensure that each new cell receives an identical set of genetic information. Transcription is the process that converts DNA into mRNA but does not involve decoding mRNA. Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence, which may affect protein synthesis but does not directly relate to the synthesis process itself. Therefore, in the context of protein synthesis, translation is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the decoding of mRNA to form proteins.