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🔬 Biology  ·  Biomolecules  ·  NEET

In protein synthesis, what is the role of the 5' cap and poly-A tail on mRNA?

Answer: They protect mRNA from degradation and aid ribosome binding.

  • A They encode the start and stop codons recognized during translation
  • B They protect mRNA from degradation and aid ribosome binding
  • C They are excised together with introns during the spliceosome reaction
  • D They serve solely as the signal required for nuclear pore export

Correct answer: B. They protect mRNA from degradation and aid ribosome binding

Explanation: The 5' 7-methylguanosine cap protects mRNA from nuclease degradation and helps ribosome binding. The 3' poly-A tail also protects mRNA and aids in nuclear export and translation.

Enzyme Kinetics: Rate vs Substrate Concentration[Substrate]Reaction rateVmaxKm½VmaxCurve flattens at high [S]: ALL enzyme active sites are occupied (saturation)

As substrate concentration rises, reaction rate increases steeply at first, then plateaus at Vmax once every enzyme molecule is working at full capacity; Km is the substrate concentration giving half-maximal rate, and a LOWER Km means the enzyme reaches that rate with less substrate (higher affinity).

Concept context

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and enzyme kinetics. Essential foundation for understanding metabolism.

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