Explain the change in RNA concentration in the first 40% of the time spent as a pupa.

Explain the change in RNA concentration in the first 40% of the time spent as a pupa.

• A. Tissues are broken down; RNA is digested by lysosomes
• B. RNA is synthesized more quickly
• C. RNA concentration remains high because not used
• D. RNA is converted into proteins directly

Answer: (A)

During early pupation, larval tissues are broken down as metamorphosis begins. Lysosomal enzymes digest cellular components, including RNA, causing the overall RNA concentration to fall in the first portion of the pupal period. If RNA were being produced faster, its level would rise, and if it stayed high because it wasn’t used, we wouldn’t see a decline. RNA isn’t directly converted into proteins; instead, it serves as a template for protein synthesis, so a rapid drop due to degradation fits the observed pattern.

During early pupation, larval tissues are broken down as metamorphosis begins. Lysosomal enzymes digest cellular components, including RNA, causing the overall RNA concentration to fall in the first portion of the pupal period. If RNA were being produced faster, its level would rise, and if it stayed high because it wasn’t used, we wouldn’t see a decline. RNA isn’t directly converted into proteins; instead, it serves as a template for protein synthesis, so a rapid drop due to degradation fits the observed pattern.