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Multiple Choice
Which process would be most directly affected if the 5' cap is not added to an mRNA?
A
Polyadenylation
B
RNA splicing
C
Translation initiation
D
Transcription termination
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the 5' cap in mRNA processing: The 5' cap is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNA transcripts. It plays a crucial role in mRNA stability, nuclear export, and translation initiation.
Identify the processes involved in mRNA maturation and function: These include polyadenylation, RNA splicing, translation initiation, and transcription termination.
Consider the function of the 5' cap in translation initiation: The 5' cap is recognized by the ribosome and other translation initiation factors, facilitating the binding of the ribosome to the mRNA to start protein synthesis.
Evaluate the impact of the absence of the 5' cap: Without the 5' cap, the mRNA may not be efficiently recognized by the ribosome, leading to impaired translation initiation.
Conclude that translation initiation is the process most directly affected by the absence of the 5' cap, as it is essential for the ribosome to recognize and bind to the mRNA.