Question

How is the processing of prokaryotic mRNA different from eukaryotic mRNA? [3 marks]

Answer 1

Processing of prokaryotic mRNA is different from eukaryotic mRNA. Prokarytoic mRNA has no introns in its mRNA sequence. It has only exeons and needs no post-transcriptional processing. So, translation can before the transcription finishes. [1 ½ marks]

Eukaryotes have exons separated by introns in their mRNA. So, the introns needs to be removed from mRNA before it proceeds to translation. So, eukaryotes require post transciptional modification of
a) Splicing: Introns are removed and exons are joined together.
b) Capping: Methyl guanosine triphosphate is added to the 5’-end.
c) Tailing: Adenylate residues are added at 3’-end.
[1 ½ marks]