Final answer:
To be translationally dormant, an mRNA molecule needs to be in a stable state and protected from degradation. Factors such as the length of the poly-A tail, RNA-stabilizing proteins, and the rate of decay influence the stability of an mRNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stability of an mRNA molecule is a major factor in determining whether it will be translationally dormant or active. For an mRNA to be translationally dormant, it needs to be in a stable state, meaning it is protected from degradation and doesn't bind to ribosomes for translation. The stability of an mRNA can be influenced by factors such as the length of its poly-A tail, the presence of RNA-stabilizing proteins, and the rate of decay.
For example, if an mRNA has a long poly-A tail, it is more likely to be stable and stored for later translation. Additionally, RNA-stabilizing proteins can protect an mRNA from degradation, keeping it in a translationally dormant state. On the other hand, if the rate of decay is high, the mRNA will be degraded quickly and not available for translation.
In summary, for an mRNA to be translationally dormant, it needs to be in a stable state where it is protected from degradation and not bound to ribosomes for translation.