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The Poly-A Tail

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A eukaryotic pre-mRNA's 3' end receives a poly-A tail, roughly 200 adenine nucleotides added after the RNA is cleaved at a specific site.

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An enzyme adds a long run of adenine nucleotides to the pre-mRNA's cleaved 3' end, forming the poly-A tail.

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The poly-A tail is added after transcription and cleavage, distinct from the 5' cap added near transcription's start.