Which of the following processes can affect gene expression after the translation of mRNA?

Post-transcriptional modification is a crucial process that can significantly influence gene expression after mRNA has been translated. During this stage, various modifications can occur to the mRNA that affect its stability, localization, and translation efficiency.

For instance, mRNA can undergo processes such as splicing, where introns are removed and exons are joined together, which can produce differing protein products depending on how the mRNA is processed. Additionally, the addition of a poly-A tail and 5’ cap can enhance mRNA stability and aid in the initiation of translation. These modifications ultimately determine how effectively the information encoded in the mRNA is translated into a functional protein.

In contrast, transcriptional control refers to processes affecting the synthesis of mRNA itself rather than events that occur after its production, and environmental factors can influence gene expression broadly but are not direct processes that act specifically on the mRNA post-translation. Hence, the focus on post-transcriptional modifications highlights their critical role in controlling gene expression after mRNA has been produced.