Question

When the spliceosome binds to this transcript, where can it attach?

A. to the 5' UTR
B. to an adjacent intron and exon
C. at certain sites along an intron
D. to the exons
E. to the 3' UTR

Answer 1

The spliceosome binds at specific sites along an intron to facilitate the removal of the intron and the ligation of exons, crucial for producing mature mRNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the spliceosome binds to a transcript, it typically attaches at certain sites along an intron. The spliceosome is a ribonucleoprotein complex that recognizes the specific sequences at the two ends of an intron, cuts the transcript at these points, and facilitates the ligation of the exons. This process is crucial for the generation of mature mRNA, which then codes for the final protein. Mutations in the spliceosome recognition sequences, or in the proteins and RNAs that constitute the spliceosome, may lead to changes in the splicing process.