Which statement best describes the role of snRNPs in RNA splicing?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the role of snRNPs in RNA splicing?

Explanation:
Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are essential components of the spliceosome, the molecular machine that removes introns from pre-mRNA. They carry small nuclear RNA that base-pairs with conserved sequences at splice sites, guiding spliceosome assembly and positioning the catalytic residues needed for splicing. Through two successive transesterification reactions, the intron is excised as a lariat and the adjacent exons are joined, producing a mature mRNA. The other processes—transcription, 5' capping, and 3' polyadenylation—are carried out by different enzymatic systems, not by snRNPs.

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) are essential components of the spliceosome, the molecular machine that removes introns from pre-mRNA. They carry small nuclear RNA that base-pairs with conserved sequences at splice sites, guiding spliceosome assembly and positioning the catalytic residues needed for splicing. Through two successive transesterification reactions, the intron is excised as a lariat and the adjacent exons are joined, producing a mature mRNA. The other processes—transcription, 5' capping, and 3' polyadenylation—are carried out by different enzymatic systems, not by snRNPs.

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