Which component is not directly involved in the process of translation?

• A. mRNA
• B. tRNA
• C. DNA
• D. Ribosome

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of translation: Translation is the process by which the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. It occurs in the ribosome.
2. Identify the components directly involved in translation: The main components involved in translation are mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes. mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA, tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome, and ribosomes facilitate the assembly of amino acids into proteins.
3. Clarify the role of mRNA: mRNA (messenger RNA) is crucial in translation as it provides the template that dictates the order of amino acids in the protein being synthesized.
4. Clarify the role of tRNA: tRNA (transfer RNA) is essential in translation because it transports the correct amino acids to the ribosome, matching them to the codons on the mRNA strand.
5. Explain why DNA is not directly involved: DNA is the source of the genetic information, but it is not directly involved in the translation process. Instead, DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which then participates in translation.