Question

Describe post transcriptional processing of RNA in eukaryotes.

Answer 1

During post trancriptional process, primary transcript RNA is converted into a mature RNA. This process takes place prior the translation process. Post transcriptional processing of RNA in eukaryotes involves three steps, namely capping, poly-adenylation and splicing.

1. Capping: In this step, 7-methylguanosine is added to 5' end of RNA. It helps recognition of mRNA by the ribosome during translation process.

2. Poly-adenylation: In this step, poly A tail is added to 3' end of RNA. Around 259 adenines are added to the 3' end of the RNA after the cleavage.

3. Splicing: It is the process in which introns, the non-coding regions are removed from the pre-RNA and exons, the coding regions are joined together to form a mature RNA.