Before the MRNA Transcribed from a Gene Can Be Used

Question

Before the mRNA transcribed from a gene can be used to translate into a protein, it must be
A) edited to remove introns.
B) edited to remove exons.
C) transported into the cytoplasm.
D) edited to remove introns and transported into the cytoplasm.
E) coated with phospholipids for transport out of the nucleus.

Accepted Answer

mRNA must be edited to remove the non-coding regions called introns in order to produce a mature mRNA transcript that only contains protein-coding exons. This process is called splicing and occurs in the nucleus before the mRNA is transported into the cytoplasm for translation. Therefore, options A, B, and E are incorrect. Option C is only partially correct, as mRNA must still undergo splicing before transport into the cytoplasm. Option D combines both splicing and transport, making it the best answer.