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 α-amanitin: α-amanitin is a toxin known to inhibit transcription.
2. Understand transcription: Transcription is the process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).
3. Relate the toxin's effect to transcription: Since α-amanitin inhibits transcription, it directly affects the synthesis of RNA.
4. Analyze the options in relation to transcription inhibition: Determine which of the provided options directly relates to the inhibition of transcription and the subsequent synthesis of RNA.
5. Conclude the immediate outcome: The immediate outcome of adding α-amanitin would be the option that directly involves the reduction in RNA production due to the inhibition of transcription.

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 molecules, leading to reduced gene expression.

RNA Polymerase

RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription. αα-amanitin specifically inhibits RNA polymerase II, which is crucial for mRNA synthesis. When this enzyme is inhibited, the cell cannot produce mRNA, leading to a decrease in the overall production of proteins and other RNA types necessary for cellular function.

Toxin Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of a toxin refers to how it exerts its harmful effects on biological systems. In the case of αα-amanitin, its ability to inhibit RNA polymerase disrupts the transcription process, leading to a cascade of cellular dysfunction. Understanding this mechanism is vital for predicting the immediate outcomes of toxin exposure, such as reduced RNA production and impaired cellular activities.