Cells can conserve energy and resources by making proteins only when they are needed. Which of the following levels of control is the most energy-efficient?

Question

a. transcription regulation
b. degrade the mRNA after it is made c. prevent translation of the mRNA at the ribosome
d. degrade the protein after it is made

Answer 1

I'm not really sure but I think its a.

Because transcription, which is the synthesis of the mRNA, occurs earlier than the other options, not producing mRNA would prevent other steps to happen. Each step causes energy and transcription regulation saves the most.