Small single-stranded RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) are capable of base pairing with specific binding sites in the 3′ untranslated region of many mRNA transcripts. Transcription of gene Q yields an mRNA transcript that contains such an miRNA binding site, which can associate with miRNA‑delta, a specific miRNA molecule.

Which of the following best supports the claim that binding of miRNA‑delta to the miRNA binding site inhibits translation of gene Q mRNA?

When the promoter for gene Q is altered, transcription is inhibited.

A. Translation of Q mRNA is inhibited regardless of whether the miRNA binding site sequence is altered.

B. Translation of Q mRNA is inhibited in the absence of miRNA‑delta.

C. When the miRNA binding site sequence is altered, translation of Q mRNA occurs in the presence of miRNA-delta.

C

Explanation:

The answer choice before A mentions transcription, and the question is concerning translation, so that choice is incorrect. The A you put is also incorrect because anytime a binding site is altered for miRNA it won’t be able to inhibit translation as it should. It suggests that miRNA-delta doesn’t need to directly interact with Q mRNA to inhibit. B is also incorrect because it is suggesting that binding of miRNA-delta is not required for inhibition, which refutes the claim. This leaves C as the correct answer.

microRNA is a small class of non-coding RNAs, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. These RNAs are capable of base pairing at 3' untranslated region of mRNA transcripts.

The correct answer is:

Option C. When the miRNA binding site sequence is altered, translation of Q mRNA occurs in the presence of miRNA-delta.

The answer can be explained as:

Thus, the correct answer is Option C.

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