3' UTR

Definition

The 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) is a section of mRNA that follows the coding sequence and precedes the poly-A tail. It plays a key role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by influencing mRNA stability, localization, and translation efficiency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 3' UTR contains regulatory elements that bind to proteins or microRNAs affecting mRNA stability.
2. Mutations in the 3' UTR can lead to diseases by disrupting normal gene regulation.
3. Polyadenylation signals within the 3' UTR are crucial for adding the poly-A tail during mRNA processing.
4. The length and sequence of the 3' UTR can influence how long an mRNA molecule remains intact in the cytoplasm.
5. Alternative polyadenylation sites within the 3' UTR can result in different mRNA isoforms from a single gene.

Review Questions

• What role does the 3' UTR play in mRNA stability?
• How can mutations in the 3' UTR affect gene expression?
• What is the significance of polyadenylation signals found within the 3' UTR?

Related terms

Poly-A Tail: A stretch of adenine nucleotides added to the end of an mRNA molecule that protects it from degradation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs): Small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs.

mRNA Stability: The lifespan of an mRNA molecule in the cell, influenced by various elements including those found in its untranslated regions.