Question

Choose the correct statement for self cleavage reaction.

(a) It is nucleophilic attack reaction by 2’ hydroxyl of RNA

(b) It is nucleophilic attack reaction by 3’ hydroxyl of RNA

(c) It is nucleophilic attack reaction by 2’ hydroxyl of DNA

(d) It is nucleophilic attack reaction by 3’ hydroxyl of DNA

I had been asked this question in an interview for job.

This question is from Cre Lox Excision topic in chapter Modifications and Mutagenesis of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) It is nucleophilic attack reaction by 2’ hydroxyl of RNA

Easy explanation: In the self cleavage reaction, it is an internal nucleophilic attack reaction by 2’ hydroxyl of RNA. The attack is done on the phosphate group in the sugar phosphate group.