In an experimental situation, a student researcher inserts an mRNA molecule into a eukaryotic cell after she has removed the mRNA's 5' cap and poly- A tail. Which of the following would you expect her to find?
A) The molecule is digested by enzymes because it is not protected at the 5' end.
B) The mRNA attaches to a ribosome and is translated, but more slowly.
C) The mRNA would not be translated.
D) The mRNA is quickly converted into a ribosomal subunit.
E) The cell adds a new poly- A tail to the mRNA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 5' cap and poly-A tail protect mRNA from degradation. Without them, the mRNA is quickly degraded by exonucleases.

In an Experimental Situation, a Student Researcher Inserts an MRNA