So bio. 101 is gonna be the death of me lol I really just dont get this stuff. We had a quiz thrusday that asked..Can Messenger RNA pass down a mutaion to a future child? Pretty much everyone got the question wrong so our teacher told us the answer is NO but we now have to explain why? any help?

DNA is what is passed down from parent to child. DNA is transcribed into RNA...which is then translated into proteins. If the mutation was in the parent's RNA (not the DNA) then it wouldn't be passed down to future children.

Basically, RNA and proteins are used for cell function in the parent.  Any mutation that would occur in the RNA would only affect the parent.

However, a mutation in a parent's DNA would potentially be transmitted to a child.

Thanks alot!, would you mind going into more detail about why it wouldnt be given to the future child through the RNA? its fine if you dont want to lol it is my homework i just really cant put two and two together lol

mRNA translates the genetic code from DNA (using translation RNA) into proteins used by the organism. These proteins may be used to build muscle, create enzymes, etc. mRNA has no purpose in reproduction and is not passed down from parents to offspring.

Man, there are some smart people on this site.

Kind of kills the stereotype of the fisherman being some dummy sitting on a bucket tossing worms into the water all day, doesn't it ?

I can also cover the "dummy on a buckett" part quite well.

Man, there are some smart people on this site.

Kind of kills the stereotype of the fisherman being some dummy sitting on a bucket tossing worms into the water all day, doesn't it ?

Hookem is a smart SOB, ;D, but I haven't seen him post a fishing thread or picture in 3 years.

Man, there are some smart people on this site.

Kind of kills the stereotype of the fisherman being some dummy sitting on a bucket tossing worms into the water all day, doesn't it ?

Nah, we used wikipedia a lot. ;D

Thanks Bassn...I think.  ;D

Fishing is not a huge part of my life anymore.  School and my girlfriend takes up all of my time during the week, and I travel a lot on the weekends.  Any free time I do have I give it to hunting.  I'm looking forward to a time where I can fish again.

The worst thing is there's a lake full of flooded timber about 10 minutes from me.  I drive by it at least once per week.  :-/

Thanks again Hookmedown. i should be able to put together a solid answer now.