Which of the following describes a process that occurs during translation?

• A. RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA from a DNA template.
• B. A ribosome reads the mRNA sequence to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
• C. DNA is replicated to produce two identical copies.
• D. The nuclear envelope breaks down during cell division.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of translation. Translation is the process by which the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded by a ribosome to produce a specific polypeptide chain (protein). This involves reading the mRNA sequence and assembling amino acids in the correct order.
2. Step 2: Eliminate options that describe processes unrelated to translation. For example, RNA polymerase synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template is part of transcription, not translation. Similarly, DNA replication and the breakdown of the nuclear envelope occur during other cellular processes, such as replication and cell division, respectively.
3. Step 3: Focus on the correct description of translation. The ribosome reads the mRNA sequence in codons (groups of three nucleotides) and matches them with the corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that carry specific amino acids.
4. Step 4: Recognize the role of tRNA and ribosomes. tRNA molecules have anticodons that pair with the codons on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide chain. The ribosome facilitates this process and catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct answer is: 'A ribosome reads the mRNA sequence to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain,' as this accurately describes the process of translation.