What is the importance of RNA splicing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: RNA splicing is a crucial process in gene expression where non-coding regions called introns are removed from the pre-mRNA molecule, and the remaining coding regions called exons are joined together to form the mature mRNA molecule. This process ensures that only the protein-coding sequences are retained in the mRNA for translation, allowing for the production of functional proteins. Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the importance of RNA splicing in generating mature mRNA molecules for protein synthesis.
B) Adding the poly-A tail to the mRNA molecule is a post-transcriptional modification that occurs after RNA splicing and is not directly related to the process of removing introns.
C) Activating the mRNA molecule for translation is typically achieved through the addition of a 5' cap and the poly-A tail, rather than through RNA splicing.
D) Modifying the structure of the protein is not directly related to the process of RNA splicing, which primarily focuses on mRNA maturation by removing non-coding introns.