Which are the functions of RNA capping?

The function of RNA capping primarily involves the protection of the mRNA molecule from degradation and plays a role in mRNA processing. The cap, which is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of the RNA transcript, stabilizes the RNA and prevents exonucleases from degrading it. Additionally, this cap structure is crucial for the proper processing of the mRNA, facilitating its recognition by the cellular machinery responsible for translation.

While regulation of transcription and translation, splicing, and enhanced binding activities of DNA might be important processes in gene expression and regulation, they are not directly attributed to the primary functions of the RNA cap. The mRNA cap aids in the efficient translation of the mRNA by acting as a signal for ribosomes to initiate translation, but it does not directly regulate transcription or enhance DNA binding activity. It’s important to differentiate these functions and recognize that the capping process is specifically designed to provide stability and promote further processing of the RNA transcript.