Final answer:
The correct statement about mRNA degradation is that the untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs are often important for mRNA stability, as they interact with RNA-binding proteins that can influence the lifespan of the mRNA molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is true regarding mRNA degradation (turnover) is: D) The UTRs (untranslated regions) of mRNAs are often important for mRNA stability.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a key molecule in the process of gene expression, serving as a template for protein synthesis. The stability of mRNA is a critical factor that influences the level of protein production within a cell. The 5' cap and the poly-A tail are known to protect mRNA from rapid degradation, but these are not the sole determinants of mRNA stability. The untranslated regions (UTRs) that flank the protein-coding sequence of mRNA also play a crucial role. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can bind to these UTRs and influence the stability of the RNA molecule.
For example, the presence of RNA-binding proteins at the 5' UTR or 3' UTR can enhance or reduce the stability of the mRNA, thus affecting how long the mRNA will be available in the cytoplasm for translation and consequently the amount of protein produced.