The length of time an RNA molecule stays intact in the cytoplasm before it decays is referred to by a specific term. What is that term, and how does an increased rate of decay affect protein output?
ARNA stability, and increased decay produces less protein
BRNA stability, and increased decay produces more protein
CGene silencing, with no effect on protein amount
DOpsonization, which does not apply to RNA at all
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. RNA stability, and increased decay produces less protein
1. The length of time an RNA molecule resides in the cytoplasm before decaying is called RNA stability.
2. If the decay rate is increased, the RNA will not exist in the cytoplasm as long, shortening the time available for translation.
3. This shortened translation window means less protein is made from that RNA.
4. The option claiming increased decay lengthens translation time and increases protein reverses the actual relationship described.
5. Gene silencing and opsonization are unrelated terms describing different processes, not the term used for this decay rate.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Gene Expression", section Control of RNA Stability_
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