Which unique chemical linkage characterizes the 5' cap added to eukaryotic mRNA?
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Correct answer: 5'-5' triphosphate bridge
The 5' cap consists of a 7-methylguanosine residue joined to the 5' end of the mRNA via an unusual 5'-5' triphosphate link. This structure protects the transcript from exonuclease degradation and aids in ribosome binding.
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