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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best defines a pre-mRNA?
A
A double-stranded RNA molecule involved in gene silencing.
B
A prokaryotic RNA transcript that is immediately translated without modification.
C
An unprocessed RNA transcript that contains both introns and exons, synthesized directly from a eukaryotic DNA template.
D
A mature RNA molecule that has had all introns removed and a 5' cap and poly-A tail added.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of pre-mRNA: Pre-mRNA is an intermediate RNA molecule synthesized during transcription in eukaryotic cells. It is unprocessed and contains both introns (non-coding regions) and exons (coding regions).
Differentiate between pre-mRNA and mature mRNA: Pre-mRNA is the initial transcript directly synthesized from the DNA template, while mature mRNA is the processed form where introns are removed, and modifications like a 5' cap and poly-A tail are added.
Eliminate incorrect options: A double-stranded RNA molecule involved in gene silencing refers to RNA interference mechanisms, not pre-mRNA. A prokaryotic RNA transcript is immediately translated without modification, which is not relevant to eukaryotic pre-mRNA.
Focus on the correct definition: Pre-mRNA is an unprocessed RNA transcript containing both introns and exons, synthesized directly from a eukaryotic DNA template. This matches the correct answer provided in the problem.
Review the importance of pre-mRNA processing: In eukaryotic cells, pre-mRNA undergoes splicing to remove introns, and modifications like the addition of a 5' cap and poly-A tail to become mature mRNA, ready for translation.