Messenger RNAs that contain no stop codons due to a frameshift mutation are eliminated by
A)nonstop decay.
B)directed RNase activity.
C)nonsense-mediated decay.
D)error-mediated repair.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nonstop decay is the mechanism by which mRNAs that lack stop codons are recognized and rapidly degraded by the cell. This process involves recognition of the absence of the stop codon by the ribosome, and subsequent recruitment of the Ski complex and exonucleases to degrade the mRNA. Nonstop decay ensures that aberrant mRNAs are not translated and potentially harmful truncated proteins are not produced. Directed RNase activity, nonsense-mediated decay, and error-mediated repair are not involved in the degradation of mRNAs that lack stop codons.

Messenger RNAs That Contain No Stop Codons Due to a Frameshift