Why can gene expression be altered more easily at the level of post- transcriptional processing in eukaryotes than in prokaryotes? Because
A) eukaryotic exons may be spliced in alternative patterns.
B) prokaryotes use ribosomes of different structure and size.
C) eukaryotic mRNAs get 5' caps and 3' tails.
D) eukaryotic mRNAs are more stable.
E) prokaryotic genes are expressed as mRNA, which is more stable in the cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eukaryotic genes contain introns that can be alternatively spliced, resulting in different mature mRNAs. Post-transcriptional processing including alternative splicing, polyadenylation, and RNA editing, allow for greater regulation and diversity of protein products in eukaryotes. Prokaryotic genes lack introns and have a simpler post-transcriptional processing, limiting their ability to regulate gene expression at this level. B, C, D, and E are incorrect as they do not explain why post-transcriptional processing is easier to alter in eukaryotes.

Why Can Gene Expression Be Altered More Easily at the Level