What role does RNA stability play in gene regulation? List three types of RNA structural elements that can affect the stability of an RNA molecule in eukaryotic cells. Explain how these elements act to influence RNA stability.

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Biology

Hillary Guerra

20 February, 06:12

What role does RNA stability play in gene regulation? List three types of RNA structural elements that can affect the stability of an RNA molecule in eukaryotic cells. Explain how these elements act to influence RNA stability.

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Sanai Park · Answer 1

RNA structural elements include double stranded regions of RNA formed by RNA folding upon itself to form a hairpin loop for example. These structures provide structural stability to RNA and allows for RNA to function as enzymes in some instances.

Another RNA structural element is the polyA tail formed at the end of mRNA sequence after mRNA maturation to prevent degradation of mature mRNA by RNase.

Another RNA structural element is the 5'cap formed at the 5' of mRNA sequence after mRNA maturation to prevent degradation of mature mRNA by RNase and also acts as a signalling target for transport of mRNA.