Question

Come up with a real-world analogy that I can use to teach middle/high school students about function of "Poly A binding protein". Explain how this analogy is similar to "Poly A binding Protein" and give 5 different ways in which this analogy does NOT work the same as "Poly A binding protein". (ex: I can say that cash is similar as ATP)

Answer 1

After capping occurs, the growing mRNA has a poly-A tail added to it at the 3' end of the mRNA. Now there are various steps of the polyadenylation mechanism among which there is the Poly-A binding protein(PABP) that has a many roles in the polyadenylation as well as protection of the mRNA.

For example, Let's think that PABP is like a helmet. It protects the head of a soldier from bullets or any kind of external injury. In the same manner, binding of PABP to the end of a growing mRNA, protects the mRNA 3'end from degradation. But this analogy does not apply to the other function of PABP. For that, let's take another example. PABP is a protein that when binds to the mRNA tail end, helps the poly-A tail to recognize the binding site and then subsequently add the poly-A tails to the mRNA end. Just like a volunteer.Suppose a particular volunteer is standing at a end of a line which is providing a ticket to a match. If you are new to the place, the volunteer will guide you to the line and others and help them stand in line to collect the ticket. In the same manner, PABP guides the poly-A tails to the mRNA end and initiate polyadenylation.