An RNA molecule is extracted from culture of gram negative bacteria. This extract contained dihydrouracil, Pseudouridine thymidine residues. which of the following is most likely composition of 3′ end of this molecule
**Core Concept**
RNA molecules in bacteria, particularly gram-negative bacteria, have unique modifications due to the presence of various enzymes that modify the nucleotide bases. The presence of dihydrouracil, pseudouridine, and thymidine residues in an RNA extract suggests that this RNA molecule has undergone specific enzymatic modifications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The presence of dihydrouracil, pseudouridine, and thymidine residues in the RNA molecule indicates that this RNA is likely a tRNA (transfer RNA) molecule. tRNA molecules undergo extensive post-transcriptional modification, including the conversion of uracil to dihydrouracil, pseudouridine formation, and the incorporation of thymidine. These modifications are crucial for the proper folding and function of tRNA molecules. The 3' end of a tRNA molecule typically has a CCA sequence, which serves as a binding site for amino acids during protein synthesis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the 3' end of a mRNA (messenger RNA) molecule does not typically have dihydrouracil, pseudouridine, and thymidine residues. mRNA molecules are primarily involved in protein synthesis and do not undergo the same level of post-transcriptional modification as tRNA molecules.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the 3' end of a rRNA (ribosomal RNA) molecule does not typically have dihydrouracil, pseudouridine, and thymidine residues. rRNA molecules are structural components of ribosomes and do not undergo the same level of post-transcriptional modification as tRNA molecules.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the 3' end of a snRNA (small nuclear RNA) molecule does not typically have dihydrouracil, pseudouridine, and thymidine residues. snRNA molecules are involved in various nuclear processes, including splicing, and do not undergo the same level of post-transcriptional modification as tRNA molecules.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the 3' end of a tRNA molecule has a CCA sequence, which serves as a binding site for amino acids during protein synthesis. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the role of tRNA molecules in protein synthesis and their modifications.
**Correct Answer:** C. CCA