Final answer:
During RNA processing, introns are removed, and exons are spliced together to produce a mature mRNA molecule. Modifications like the 5' cap and poly-A tail protect the mRNA. The mRNA's defined lifespan, called RNA stability, influences the amount of protein synthesized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of distinguishing mature mRNA molecules from other debris generated by RNA processing involves several steps. First, during RNA processing, introns are removed and exons are spliced together to produce a mature mRNA molecule. Additionally, a 5' cap and a poly-A tail are added to the mRNA to protect it from degradation. These modifications are recognized by cellular factors that help export the mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Finally, the mRNA has a defined lifespan called RNA stability, which determines how long it will reside in the cytoplasm before being degraded. This rate of decay can be controlled and influences the amount of protein synthesized.