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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are features of transcription in eukaryotes only?
A
Presence of a 5' cap on mRNA
B
Polycistronic mRNA
C
Use of sigma factors for initiation
D
Transcription occurs in the cytoplasm
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. In eukaryotes, this process has unique features compared to prokaryotes.
Recognize that eukaryotic mRNA undergoes post-transcriptional modifications, one of which is the addition of a 5' cap. This cap is crucial for mRNA stability and initiation of translation.
Identify that polycistronic mRNA, which contains multiple coding sequences, is a feature of prokaryotic transcription, not eukaryotic. Eukaryotic mRNA is typically monocistronic, meaning it encodes a single protein.
Understand that sigma factors are proteins used by prokaryotes to initiate transcription. Eukaryotes use different transcription factors and do not rely on sigma factors.
Note that transcription in eukaryotes occurs in the nucleus, not the cytoplasm. This is a key distinction from prokaryotes, where transcription and translation occur in the cytoplasm.