In an experimental situation, a student researcher inserts an mRNA molecule into a eukaryotic cell after he has removed its 5' cap and poly-A tail. Which of the following would you expect him to find?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 5' cap and poly-A tail are important for protecting the mRNA molecule from exonucleases, which can break down the molecule from both ends. Without these protective structures, the mRNA is more susceptible to degradation by exonucleases. Therefore, we would expect the mRNA to be digested by exonucleases because it is no longer protected at the 5' end. Option A is not correct because the mRNA could still exit the nucleus even if the cap and tail were removed. Option B is unlikely because the absence of the tail does not usually trigger polyadenylation. Option C is incorrect because restriction enzymes do not digest mRNA. Option E is also unlikely because the absence of the cap and tail does not usually slow down translation.

In an Experimental Situation, a Student Researcher Inserts an MRNA