Question

In eukaryotes, the 3ʹ end of the mRNA is important in the initiation of translation because

A) it contains Kozak sequences that aid in initiation.
B) translation occurs in the 3ʹ to 5ʹ direction.
C) eIF4A is attached to the 3ʹ end and removes any secondary structure that might prevent translation.
D) the 3ʹ poly(A) tail and PABP bind initiation factor eIF4G, stabilizing the 5ʹ end of the mRNA.
E) it contains Kozak sequences that aid in initiation of translation in the 3ʹ to 5ʹ direction.

Answer 1

The 3′ end of the mRNA is important in eukaryotic translation because it involves the poly(A) tail binding to initiation factor eIF4G and PABP to stabilize the mRNA, which aids in recruiting the ribosome to the 5′ end.

Step-by-step explanation:

In eukaryotes, the 3′ end of the mRNA plays a crucial role in the initiation of translation. One of the key aspects is the interaction of the 3′ poly(A) tail and the poly(A) binding protein (PABP) with eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G). This interaction is vital because it helps to stabilize the mRNA by circularizing it, which in turn enhances the recruitment of the ribosome to the 5′ end of the mRNA.

The correct answer to the student's question is D) the 3′ poly(A) tail and PABP bind initiation factor eIF4G, stabilizing the 5′ end of the mRNA. This is because translation begins at the 5′ end of the mRNA and proceeds in the 5′ to 3′ direction. The Kozak sequence also plays a critical role but is located near the start codon rather than at the 3′ end. The Kozak sequence aids in recognition of the AUG start codon.