The steady state level of mRNA is
A) invariant across transcripts within a species.
B) invariant across transcripts within a cell type.
C) production rate divided by degradation rate.
D) emergent and cannot be predicted.
E) independent of the rate of transcription.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The steady state level of mRNA is determined by the equilibrium between its production rate (transcription) and degradation rate. This means that the level of mRNA will be constant if the rate of production is equal to the rate of degradation, and that level is equal to the production rate divided by the degradation rate. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Options A, B, D, and E are incorrect because they do not reflect the balance between mRNA production and degradation.

The Steady State Level of MRNA Is