Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of the poly(A) tail added to eukaryotic mRNA during RNA processing?
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10. Transcription
RNA Modification and Processing
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How is the 5' end of a eukaryotic mRNA modified during RNA processing?
A
A poly(A) tail is added to the 5' end.
B
A methyl group is added to every nucleotide at the 5' end.
C
A 7-methylguanosine cap is added to the 5' end.
D
Introns are removed from the 5' end.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the 5' end of a eukaryotic mRNA undergoes a specific modification during RNA processing called 'capping'.
Recognize that this capping involves the addition of a special structure known as the 7-methylguanosine cap, which is chemically linked to the 5' end of the mRNA.
Recall that the 7-methylguanosine cap is added via a unique 5' to 5' triphosphate linkage, which protects the mRNA from degradation and assists in ribosome binding during translation.
Note that the poly(A) tail is added to the 3' end of the mRNA, not the 5' end, and that methyl groups are not added to every nucleotide at the 5' end, only to the guanosine cap.
Understand that introns are removed from the pre-mRNA during splicing, but this process does not specifically target the 5' end for intron removal.
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