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Ch. 3 The Cell
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Erin C. Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksErin C. Amerman 2nd EditionCh. 3 The CellProblem 14
Chapter 3, Problem 14

Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of the nucleolus?
a. Within the nucleolus we find genes for rRNA.
b. Nucleoli manufacture mitochondrial proteins for export to the cytosol.
c. Nucleoli assemble the nuclear envelope.
d. The nucleolus contains the genes that form the Golgi apparatus.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the nucleolus: The nucleolus is a structure within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to produce and assemble ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomal subunits, which are essential for protein synthesis.
Analyze option a: 'Within the nucleolus we find genes for rRNA.' This statement is correct because the nucleolus contains regions of DNA that encode rRNA, which is transcribed and processed within the nucleolus.
Analyze option b: 'Nucleoli manufacture mitochondrial proteins for export to the cytosol.' This statement is incorrect because mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol by free ribosomes, not in the nucleolus.
Analyze option c: 'Nucleoli assemble the nuclear envelope.' This statement is incorrect because the nuclear envelope is formed by the endoplasmic reticulum and other cellular components, not the nucleolus.
Analyze option d: 'The nucleolus contains the genes that form the Golgi apparatus.' This statement is incorrect because the Golgi apparatus is formed from vesicles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum, and its genes are not located in the nucleolus.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nucleolus Function

The nucleolus is a specialized structure within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells primarily responsible for the synthesis and assembly of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomal subunits. It plays a crucial role in ribosome biogenesis, which is essential for protein synthesis in the cell.
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Functional Groups

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a type of RNA that, along with proteins, makes up the ribosomes. It is synthesized in the nucleolus and is vital for the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins, serving as a structural and functional component of ribosomes.
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Ribosome Subunits

Nuclear Envelope

The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that encloses the nucleus, separating its contents from the cytoplasm. While the nucleolus is located within the nucleus, it does not play a role in assembling the nuclear envelope, which is formed by the fusion of the inner and outer membranes.
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Nucleus
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the cytoskeleton as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Endocytosis, exocytosis, muscle cell contraction, and cellular 'crawling' are all mediated by intermediate filaments.

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Textbook Question

Our somatic cells' DNA is distributed among 46 ________ in the nucleus.

a. Nucleosomes

b. Chromatids

c. Nucleoli

d. Chromosomes

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Textbook Question

Explain how and why chromatin is condensed in the nucleus.

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Textbook Question

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

In a gene, each nucleotide specifies one amino acid in a protein sequence.

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Textbook Question

Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

A transcription factor must bind to the promoter region of a gene before the enzyme DNA synthetase is able to bind and begin transcription.

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Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.

The enzyme RNA polymerase builds a strand of transfer RNA, whose codons are complementary to DNA's triplets.

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