Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The statement that mRNA is not necessary for proper protein synthesis is false due to the essential role that mRNA plays in the process. During protein synthesis, mRNA serves as the genetic template that carries the coded instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized. Each sequence of three nucleotides on the mRNA, known as a codon, corresponds to specific amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Without mRNA, there would be no mechanism to translate the genetic information into a sequence of amino acids, rendering the process of protein synthesis incomplete.

The incorporation of tRNA ensures that the correct amino acids are added in the sequence dictated by the mRNA. Proteins are indeed formed on ribosomes, which serve as the sites of translation where mRNA and tRNA interactions occur. Additionally, ribosomal RNA is critical for the structural and functional integrity of ribosomes, facilitating the binding of mRNA and the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains. Understanding these key roles helps clarify the importance of mRNA in the overall process of protein synthesis.