Question

The GTP necessary in the formation of the 5' cap on the transcript is modified by the addition of which of the following groups?

a) Phenol group
b) Hydroxyl group
c) Ethyl group
d) Methyl group

Answer 1

The GTP for the 5' cap on the transcript is modified by the addition of a methyl group, resulting in a 7-methylguanosine cap that protects mRNA from degradation and aids in translation initiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The GTP necessary in the formation of the 5' cap on the transcript is modified by the addition of a methyl group. During the capping process, while the pre-mRNA is still being synthesized, a 7-methylguanosine cap is added to the 5' end of the growing transcript by a phosphate linkage.

This cap, also known as the '5' cap', is crucial for protecting the mRNA from degradation and is recognized by factors involved in protein synthesis to help initiate translation by ribosomes.