A Graduate Student Is Trying to Isolate Bacterial MRNA for an Enzyme

question 87

Multiple Choice

A graduate student is trying to isolate bacterial mRNA for an enzyme that will degrade trinitrotoluene (TNT) . She's frustrated to find that the enzyme isn't produced when the bacterium in question is grown on nutrient agar. What might she do to solve the problem and obtain the mRNA?

• A) Add nitrogen and toluene to the agar which will drive up synthesis of TNT, leading to production of the mRNA the student is looking for.
• B) Add TNT to the agar-this will drive synthesis of the enzyme to degrade it, leading to production of the mRNA the student is looking for.
• C) Remove glucose from the agar-this will cause the bacteria to shift to other compounds for their energy purposes.
• D) Remove nitrogen and toluene from the agar which will lead to driving up synthesis of TNT, leading to production of the mRNA the student is looking for.
• E) Remove TNT from the nutrient agar; it acts as an inhibitor of all microbial growth, and prevents the bacteria from synthesizing any enzymes at all.

---

Definitions:

Second World War

A global military conflict that took place between 1939 and 1945, involving most of the world's nations and resulting in significant shifts in the geopolitical landscape.

1939

A year marked by the beginning of World War II when Germany invaded Poland, causing a global conflict involving major world powers.

U.S. Military

The armed forces of the United States, responsible for defending the country against threats and providing military support to national policies.

1941

A significant year marking the United States' entry into World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan.