Which statement about mRNA stability is TRUE?
A) Degradation always proceeds in the 5' to 3' direction.
B) Degradation of mRNA by polynucleotide phosphorylase yields 5'-nucleoside monophosphates.
C) In general, bacterial mRNAs have longer half-lives than do eukaryotic mRNAs.
D) Rates of mRNA degradation are always at least 10-fold slower than rates of mRNA synthesis.
E) Secondary structure in mRNA (hairpins, for example) slows the rate of degradation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Secondary structures like hairpins can protect mRNA from degradation by hindering access to exonucleases.

Which Statement About MRNA Stability Is TRUE