Silkworms are caterpillars that produce large quantities of proteins in order to spin silk cocoons. Cells in the caterpillar's salivary glands produce the protein chains that make up silk. Which cellular component increases in the salivary gland cells as the silk proteins are synthesized?

a. DNA

b. RNA

c. nuclei

d. vacuoles

The correct answer is letter A. DNA. It is the cellular component that increases in the salivary gland cells as the silk proteins are synthesized. Though the amount of DNA that is in the cells remains constant thus it will not increase for silk protein production. Because of the increased mRNA the is copied from DNA, then it facilitates and enhances the protein translation process.