Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Boost your confidence for the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for your future!

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What best describes the function of tRNA?

It forms proteins in ribosomes
It transfers genetic information to the nucleus
It binds specific amino acids and carries them to the ribosomes
It synthesizes mRNA from DNA

The correct answer is: It binds specific amino acids and carries them to the ribosomes

The function of tRNA, or transfer RNA, is best described by its role in the protein synthesis process. tRNA specifically binds to amino acids and transports them to the ribosome, which is the cellular machinery responsible for assembling proteins. Each type of tRNA is linked to one specific amino acid and recognizes the corresponding codon on the mRNA strand through its anticodon. This process is essential for translating the genetic instructions carried by mRNA into a functional protein. In contrast, forming proteins in ribosomes involves multiple components, including mRNA and ribosomal RNA, thus not solely attributing the function to tRNA alone. Additionally, tRNA does not transfer genetic information to the nucleus; that role falls to messenger RNA (mRNA). Furthermore, synthesizing mRNA from DNA is a function of RNA polymerase during transcription, not tRNA. By focusing on its role in carrying amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis, tRNA's integral contribution to the process of translation is highlighted.