Read the following and answer any four questions from 4(i) to 4(v) gi...
Tailing or polyadenylation is addition of a poly-A tail at 3' end of hn mRNA with the help of poly-A polymerase. The poly-A tail contains adenylate residues (about 200-300 residues). Polyadenylation is thought to protect the 3' end from degradation by exonucleases.
View all questions of this test
Read the following and answer any four questions from 4(i) to 4(v) gi...
The Enzyme Involved in Tailing or Polyadenylation
Polyadenylation is a crucial step in the processing of RNA molecules. It involves the addition of a poly(A) tail at the 3' end of newly synthesized RNA. This process is facilitated by an enzyme known as poly-A polymerase.
Explanation:
Poly-A polymerase is responsible for the addition of the poly(A) tail during RNA processing. This enzyme catalyzes the addition of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) residues to the 3' end of the RNA molecule. The poly(A) tail typically consists of 100-200 adenine nucleotides and plays a significant role in stabilizing the RNA molecule and regulating its stability, translation, and transport.
Function of Poly-A Polymerase:
Poly-A polymerase carries out the following functions in the process of tailing or polyadenylation:
1. Recognition of Signal: Poly-A polymerase recognizes and binds to a specific signal sequence present in the RNA molecule. This signal sequence is called the polyadenylation signal sequence and is typically found in the pre-mRNA molecule.
2. Cleavage of RNA: Once the poly(A) polymerase binds to the polyadenylation signal sequence, it catalyzes the cleavage of the RNA molecule at a specific site downstream of the signal sequence. This cleavage separates the pre-mRNA into two fragments, with the 3' fragment containing the poly(A) tail.
3. Addition of Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) Residues: After cleavage, poly-A polymerase begins the addition of AMP residues to the 3' end of the RNA molecule. It catalyzes the transfer of AMP from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to the RNA molecule, creating a poly(A) tail.
4. Regulation of Poly(A) Tail Length: Poly-A polymerase also plays a role in regulating the length of the poly(A) tail. It adds AMP residues until a specific length is reached, which is determined by factors involved in RNA processing and stability.
5. Interaction with other Proteins: Poly-A polymerase interacts with various proteins involved in RNA processing and export. These interactions help in coordinating the polyadenylation process and subsequent steps in RNA maturation.
Conclusion:
Poly-A polymerase is the enzyme responsible for the addition of the poly(A) tail during RNA processing. It recognizes the polyadenylation signal sequence, cleaves the RNA molecule, and adds adenosine monophosphate residues to the 3' end. This process is important for RNA stability, translation, and transport.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.