Eating even a single death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) can be fatal due to a compound called αα-amanitin, a toxin that inhibits transcription.What would you predict to be the immediate outcome of adding αα-amanitin to a cell?a. reduced DNA synthesisb. reduced production of one or more types of RNAc. reduced binding of tRNAs to anticodonsd. reduced rate of translocation of ribosomes translating mRNA

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the function of αα-amanitin: it inhibits transcription, which is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
2. Understand that transcription is crucial for the production of RNA, including mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
3. Recognize that if transcription is inhibited, the immediate effect would be a reduction in the production of RNA.
4. Consider the options given: reduced DNA synthesis, reduced production of RNA, reduced binding of tRNAs to anticodons, and reduced rate of ribosome translocation.
5. Conclude that the most direct and immediate outcome of inhibiting transcription with αα-amanitin would be a reduced production of one or more types of RNA.

Key Concepts

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which the genetic information in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is essential for gene expression, as it allows the information stored in DNA to be translated into proteins. Inhibition of transcription, such as by αα-amanitin, directly affects the production of RNA, leading to reduced levels of mRNA and, consequently, proteins.

αα-amanitin

αα-amanitin is a potent toxin found in the death cap mushroom that specifically inhibits RNA polymerase II, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing mRNA in eukaryotic cells. By blocking this enzyme, αα-amanitin prevents the transcription of genes, leading to a decrease in the production of mRNA and, ultimately, proteins necessary for cell function and survival.

RNA Types and Functions

There are several types of RNA, including mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, each serving distinct roles in the cell. mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis, tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation, and rRNA is a structural component of ribosomes. Disruption in the production of mRNA due to αα-amanitin would lead to reduced protein synthesis, affecting cellular functions.