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Which of the following experimental procedures is most likely to hasten mRNA degradation in a eukaryotic cell?

A. methylation of C nucleotides
B. removal of one or more exons
C. methylation of histones
D. enzymatic lengthening of the poly-A tail
E. removal of the 5' cap

User Jacob G
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The procedure that accelerates mRNA degradation is the removal of the 5' cap, which normally protects mRNA from exonuclease-mediated degradation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The experimental procedure most likely to hasten mRNA degradation in a eukaryotic cell is the removal of the 5' cap. This cap consists of a methylated guanosine triphosphate molecule that protects the mRNA from being degraded by 5' exonucleases. The other options, such as methylation of C nucleotides, removal of exons, methylation of histones, and enzymatic lengthening of the poly-A tail, either do not affect mRNA stability or actually contribute to its stability and proper function.

User Nicky Mattsson
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