Use the following model of a eukaryotic transcript to answer the question. E1-4 refer to the exons and I1-3 refer to the introns in the pre-mRNA transcript.
5' UTR E1 I1 E2 I2 E3 I3 E4 UTR 3'
Suppose that an induced mutation removes most of the 5' end of the 5' UTR. What might be the result of this removal?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The 5' UTR is important for the stability and translation efficiency of the mRNA. It contains the 5' cap, which is necessary for the binding of the ribosome and initiation of translation. Removal of most of the 5' UTR would eliminate the cap and may lead to quicker degradation of the mRNA by hydrolytic enzymes. The exons and introns themselves would remain intact, but the lack of a cap could severely impact the mRNA's ability to be translated. Option C is unlikely because duplication would occur in the 3' UTR, which is not affected by the mutation. Option D is also unlikely because the first exon still exists, even if it is truncated, and can be read by the ribosome.

Use the Following Model of a Eukaryotic Transcript to Answer