Question

For this type of decay, you don't need a decapping enzyme. Decay occurs from this end by ___' to ___' exoribonucleases → such as those in the EXOSOME.

A) 5' to 3'
B) 3' to 5'
C) 5' to 5'
D) 3' to 3'

Answer 1

The correct answer for the type of decay that occurs without a decapping enzyme is B) 3' to 5', as exoribonucleases like those in the exosome degrade RNA from the 3' end towards the 5' end.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the type of decay that occurs without needing a decapping enzyme, decay occurs from the 3' to 5' end by exoribonucleases such as those found in the exosome. Option B) 3' to 5' is the correct answer. This is because the RNA degradation process often involves exoribonucleases that work from the 3' end towards the 5' end, removing nucleotides one by one. In contrast, the 5' cap and poly-A tail protect mRNA from exonuclease attack during its journey from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.