Cells can conserve energy and resources by making proteins only when they are needed.Which of the following levels of control is the most energy-efficient?
A)transcription regulation
B)degrade the mRNA after it is made
C)prevent translation of the mRNA at the ribosome
D)degrade the protein after it is made

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transcription regulation is the most energy-efficient level of control because it prevents the unnecessary production of mRNA and subsequent protein synthesis. This saves energy and resources for the cell. Degrading mRNA or protein after they have been made requires energy, so it is less efficient. Preventing translation at the ribosome still requires that the cell has already made the mRNA, so it is also less efficient than transcription regulation.

Cells Can Conserve Energy and Resources by Making Proteins Only