Question

When considering interactions with target molecules, a toxicant that removes a key adenine nucleotide from the 28S ribosomal RNA might produce which of the following effects?

	a.	Affected cells would undergo mitosis
	b.	Cells with unusually high levels of DNA mutations
	c.	Cells that are unable to engage in phagocytosis
	d.	Cells which are unable to synthesize proteins

Answer 1

Option D

In the question, it is given that adenine is removed from 28S rRNA by the toxicant. We know that 28S rRNA is present in the ribosomes of eukaryotes. It means, if 28S rRNA subunit is affected, than ribosomes will be affected. They will not be formed because one of the subunits, 28S is affected. And without ribosomes proteins will not be formed because ribosomes are the protein factories.

FIrst option is incorrect because if proteins will not be formed, then cell will not be able to undergo Mitosis.

Second option is incorrect because if RNA is affected, then it doesn't mean that DNA is also affected. Abnormal copy of RNA can be formed from normal copy of DNA and it is given that an external agent is leading to the abnormality in RNA. It means in mutation in DNA.

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