Post-transcriptional modifications are unique to eukaryotes because:
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Correct answer: Prokaryotic transcription and translation are coupled
In prokaryotes, the absence of a nuclear envelope means ribosomes can attach to and translate mRNA while it is still being transcribed — a process called coupled transcription-translation. This leaves no opportunity for the extensive post-transcriptional processing (capping, splicing, polyadenylation) seen in eukaryotes.
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More Transcription and RNA Processing questions
- What is the function of TFIIH in the eukaryotic transcription pre-initiation complex?
- Which molecules facilitate the export of mature mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm?
- The 'Pribnow Box' is a sequence equivalent to which eukaryotic element?
- Which eukaryotic RNA polymerase is specifically responsible for the transcription of protein-coding genes into pre-mRNA?
- The 'TATA box' is a conserved promoter element in eukaryotes. What is its primary function during transcription initiation?
- During transcription, the RNA molecule is synthesized in which direction?