Transcription & Translation MCAT Practice Question
A viral infection is observed to disrupt eukaryotic translation initiation by cleaving eIF4G, a component of the translation initiation complex. eIF4G normally bridges eIF4E (which binds the 5' cap) and eIF4A (a helicase). Following eIF4G cleavage, cap-dependent translation is severely impaired. What is the most likely consequence?
Answer choices
- AInability to form the 43S pre-initiation complex at the 5' cap
- BEnhanced recruitment of initiator Met-tRNA to the ribosome
- CIncreased efficiency of IRES-mediated translation initiation
- DLoss of communication between the 5' cap recognition machinery and the 40S ribosomal subunitCorrect answer
- EAccelerated degradation of mRNA by 3' to 5' exonucleases
- FeIF4G cleavage preventing 40S ribosomal scanning of mRNA
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