PolyA Tail

Name:
PolyA Tail
Detailed information:
After an mRNA is transcribed from a gene, the cell adds a stretch of A residues (typically 50-200) to its 3′ end. It is thought that the presence of this “polyA tail” increases the stability of the mRNA (possibly by protecting it from nucleases). Note that not all mRNAs have a polyA tail; the histone mRNAs in particular do not.