Which of the following processes can riboswitches NOT interfere with?

• A. Enhancers
• B. Transcription
• C. Splicing
• D. Translation

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what riboswitches are: Riboswitches are regulatory segments of mRNA that can bind small molecules, resulting in a change in the mRNA's activity. They are typically involved in regulating gene expression at the level of transcription, translation, or splicing.
2. Identify the processes riboswitches can interfere with: Riboswitches can influence transcription by causing premature termination or initiation of transcription. They can also affect translation by altering the accessibility of the ribosome binding site. Additionally, riboswitches can impact splicing by changing the structure of the mRNA, affecting how it is processed.
3. Consider the role of enhancers: Enhancers are DNA sequences that increase the transcription of associated genes. They function by providing binding sites for transcription factors and are not directly influenced by riboswitches, which operate at the RNA level.
4. Analyze the options: Given that riboswitches operate at the RNA level, they can interfere with transcription, splicing, and translation. However, enhancers are DNA elements that function independently of riboswitches.
5. Conclude which process riboswitches cannot interfere with: Since enhancers are not part of the RNA-based regulatory mechanisms that riboswitches affect, riboswitches cannot interfere with enhancers.