Degradation of bacterial mRNAs occurs:
A) from the 3' end.
B) largely by the activity of non-specific nucleases.
C) from the 5' end.
D) relatively slowly.
E) from both 3' and 5' ends at the same time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacterial mRNAs are degraded from the 5' end by endoribonucleases and exonucleases. This process is called 5'-3' exonucleolytic decay.

Answer: E
 In addition to 5'-3' exonucleolytic decay, bacterial mRNAs can also undergo 3'-5' exonucleolytic decay, leading to simultaneous degradation from both ends. This process is mediated by endoribonucleases and exonucleases.

Degradation of Bacterial MRNAs Occurs