Transcription and Translation · USMLE Step 1

Why are introns spliced out of eukaryotic pre-mRNA before translation?

  1. Introns are non-coding and would disrupt the reading frame if left in
  2. Introns themselves encode functional signal peptides
  3. Introns markedly reduce the stability of the mRNA
  4. Introns are strictly required for the 5' capping step
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Correct answer: Introns are non-coding and would disrupt the reading frame if left in

Introns are non-coding intervening sequences that interrupt the open reading frame; they must be removed by splicing so the mature mRNA carries a continuous, correctly framed coding sequence for translation.

Difficulty: Medium Question 18 of 22

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