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True or false:
RNA molecules synthesized by DNA primase have a 5' cap attached to them

1 Answer

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Final answer:

RNA molecules synthesized by DNA primase do not have a 5' cap; instead, the 5' cap is added to pre-mRNA molecules during processing in eukaryotic cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that RNA molecules synthesized by DNA primase have a 5' cap attached to them is false. Primase synthesizes short RNA primers during DNA replication, which serve as starting points for DNA synthesis. These RNA primers are not the same as messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules and do not receive a 5' cap.

The 5' capping process specifically concerns pre-mRNA. During pre-mRNA processing in eukaryotes, a 7-methylguanosine cap is added to the 5' end. This cap is crucial for mRNA stability and for the initiation of protein synthesis by ribosomes.

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