Final answer:
RNA-binding proteins can either increase or decrease the stability of an RNA molecule, depending on the nature of the specific protein that binds to the untranslated regions of RNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The binding of an RNA binding protein to an RNA molecule can either increase or decrease the stability of said molecule. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial in regulating various aspects of RNA function, including its stability, which in turn affects the overall gene expression. These proteins can bind to untranslated regions (UTRs), which are the sequences in the RNA molecule that are not translated into protein. The 5' and 3' UTRs are known to be spots where RBPs often attach, due both to their accessibilities and roles in mRNA regulation. The effect of an RBP on RNA stability depends on the nature of the specific protein that binds; some stabilize the RNA and protect it from degradation, while others may facilitate its breakdown.