Eukaryotic Transcription and Post-Transcriptional Modifications

These flashcards cover key concepts related to eukaryotic transcription and the subsequent modifications needed for pre-mRNA to become mature mRNA.

Eukaryotic Transcription

The process of transcribing DNA in eukaryotic cells to produce RNA.

Pre-mRNA

The initial RNA transcript that must be modified to become mature mRNA.

5' Cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of mRNA that protects it from degradation and aids in nuclear export.

3' Poly-A Tail

A tail of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA by poly-A polymerase that prevents degradation in the cytoplasm.

Introns

Non-coding sequences that are removed during the splicing of pre-mRNA.

Exons

Sequences that will be translated into protein, remaining in the mRNA after splicing.

Spliceosome

A complex of snRNPs and proteins that removes introns from pre-mRNA.

Alternative Splicing

A process where a single primary transcript is spliced into different mRNAs, leading to the production of multiple proteins from a single gene.

Polyadenylation

The addition of a poly-A tail to the 3' end of mRNA, which is crucial for the stability and export of mRNA.

snRNPs

Small ribonucleoprotein particles that recognize intron-exon boundaries and play a key role in mRNA splicing.