Question

which three statements correctly describe the roles of rna molecules in the process of transcription and translation in animal cells?
a small rna molecules in the rna polymerase catalyze the formation of phosphodiester bonds between nucleotides in the growing messenger
b messenger rna molecules carry genetic information from the gene in the nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm.
c transfer rna molecules carry the appropriate amino acid to the growing polypeptide.
d genomic rna molecules store genetic information and transmit it to an individuals offspring.
e ribosomal rna molecules function in the assembly of the ribosome - mrna complex and in the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids in the growing polypeptide.

Explanation:

• Option A: RNA polymerase catalyzes phosphodiester bond formation during transcription (not small RNA molecules). So, this option is incorrect.
• Option B: Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from the gene in the nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm. This is correct as mRNA is the transcript that conveys genetic code for protein synthesis.
• Option C: Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry the appropriate amino acid to the growing polypeptide. tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with mRNA codon and delivers the correct amino acid. This is correct.
• Option D: Genomic RNA stores and transmits genetic information in some viruses (not in the context of animal cell transcription - translation where DNA is the main genetic storage in animals). So, this option is incorrect.
• Option E: Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is part of the ribosome - mRNA complex and functions in the assembly of the ribosome and in the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during translation. This is correct.

Answer:

B. Messenger RNA molecules carry genetic information from the gene in the nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm.
C. Transfer RNA molecules carry the appropriate amino acid to the growing polypeptide.
E. Ribosomal RNA molecules function in the assembly of the ribosome - mRNA complex and in the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids in the growing polypeptide.