Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

What does a mutation with an absence of RNA transcribed from a gene signify?

1. Polymorphisms

2. Translocation

3. RNA Negative

4. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

The correct answer is: RNA Negative

A mutation characterized by an absence of RNA transcribed from a gene indicates that the gene is not being expressed. This lack of RNA transcription suggests that the normal process of gene expression has been disrupted, potentially due to mutations affecting the promoter region or other regulatory elements necessary for transcription initiation. In genetic and molecular biology terms, this scenario can be referred to as being "RNA negative" relative to that specific gene. It highlights the importance of transcription in gene expression and how mutations can lead to the loss of function of a gene, which is critical in understanding various genetic disorders and cancers. The other options do not align with the concept of a missing RNA transcription. Polymorphisms refer to variations in DNA sequences among individuals, not necessarily indicating a lack of RNA. Translocation involves the rearrangement of parts between nonhomologous chromosomes and does not directly correlate with transcription absence. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma is a specific type of breast cancer and, while it may involve mutations, it does not inherently describe a scenario of missing RNA transcription.