Exam 26: RNA Metabolism

Compare transcription and reverse transcription in terms of the following characteristics: (a) Direction of polynucleotide synthesis (b) Nature of template (c) Nature of primer (d) Incorporated nucleotides

Reverse transcriptase:

Which statement is TRUE regarding the RNA product synthesized by E. coli RNA polymerase?

Indicate whether each of the following statements about eukaryotic cells is true (T) or false (F). ___ They have three distinct RNA polymerases. ___ Their mRNAs are generally synthesized by RNA polymerase I. ___ RNA polymerase III synthesizes only rRNAs. ___ The 5S rRNA is synthesized by RNA polymerase I ___ Their RNA polymerases initiate transcription at specific promoter sites on the DNA

Which statement is TRUE regarding E. coli RNAP?

What metal ion cofactors are required to bind nucleotide triphosphate substrates by E. coli RNA polymerase?

Which statement is FALSE regarding the TATA-binding protein (TBP)?

AZT (3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine), used to treat HIV infection, acts in HIV-infected cells by:

List one basic property that distinguishes RNA polymerases from DNA polymerases, and list one basic property they share.

Describe the function of polyadenylate polymerase and name two properties that distinguish it from normal cellular RNA polymerases.

Describe the mechanistic difference that distinguishes the splicing of group I introns from that of group II introns.

Consider the following small hypothetical gene. The DNA bases corresponding to the first and last mRNA nucleotides are indicated by a "+" and a "*," respectively. Give the sequence(s) of the mRNA strand(s) produced by this gene.

Which statement CORRECTLY describes a difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic mRNA transcription?

Beginning with the primary transcript containing a tRNA sequence, describe the steps in the formation of a mature tRNA molecule in E. coli.

Which statement about E. coli RNA polymerase is FALSE?

RNA replicase carries out what function?

Which process is NOT a known function of TFIIH?

In a $\rho$ -independent terminator, there is a palindrome rich in G $\equiv$ C base pairs, followed by 8-10 uridine residues. Explain how each of the following changes might affect terminator function: (a) substitution of cytidines for the 8-10 uridines; (b) mutations in the palindrome that decrease its G $\equiv$ C content; (c) elimination of half of the palindromic sequence.

What acts as the nucleophile in the mechanism of nucleotide addition by RNA polymerase?

Differential RNA processing may result in: