Why can bacteria recognize a human gene and then produce a human protein?

• A. Bacteria can naturally produce all human proteins.
• B. Bacteria have human-like ribosomes.
• C. Bacteria have the same cellular machinery as human cells.
• D. Bacteria and humans share the same genetic code.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the genetic code: The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. It is universal across most organisms, meaning that the same codons specify the same amino acids in different species.
2. Recognize the role of ribosomes: Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. While bacterial ribosomes differ structurally from human ribosomes, they perform the same fundamental function of translating mRNA into proteins.
3. Identify the process of gene expression: Gene expression involves transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to protein). Since the genetic code is universal, bacteria can transcribe and translate human genes into proteins using their own cellular machinery.
4. Consider the implications of shared genetic code: Because bacteria and humans share the same genetic code, a human gene inserted into a bacterium can be transcribed and translated into the corresponding human protein.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The reason bacteria can recognize a human gene and produce a human protein is because bacteria and humans share the same genetic code, allowing for the universal translation of genetic information into proteins.