Question

The genetic counselor explains that some genetic conditions result from problems with RNA processing after transcription but before translation. This affects the final mRNA that reaches ribosomes. What does this reveal about gene expression complexity?
Question 5 options:

All RNA molecules produced by transcription are immediately ready for translation without modification

Gene expression involves multiple processing steps between transcription and translation that can be disrupted

RNA processing is not important because ribosomes can translate any RNA sequence effectively

RNA processing only occurs in certain cell types, not in all cells that express genes

Answer 1

Correct answer:
Gene expression involves multiple processing steps between transcription and translation that can be disrupted.

Brief explanation: Pre-mRNAs are processed (5' cap, splicing to remove introns, 3' poly-A tail, sometimes editing/alternative splicing) before becoming mature mRNA. Defects in these steps can alter the mRNA sequence or stability and thus affect protein production. The other choices are incorrect because not all RNA is immediately translatable, ribosomes can't compensate for faulty RNA processing, and RNA processing occurs in all cells that transcribe genes (though patterns like alternative splicing can be tissue-specific).