Alternative splicing

Definition

Alternative splicing is a process during RNA transcription where a single pre-mRNA can be spliced in multiple ways to produce different mature mRNA variants. This leads to the production of multiple protein isoforms from a single gene.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alternative splicing increases the diversity of proteins that can be encoded by the genome.
2. It involves the inclusion or exclusion of different exons or portions of exons from the pre-mRNA transcript.
3. Regulatory proteins and spliceosomes play crucial roles in determining which splicing variants are produced.
4. Errors in alternative splicing can lead to diseases, including cancers and genetic disorders.
5. Microorganisms use alternative splicing to adapt to various environmental conditions.

Review Questions

• How does alternative splicing contribute to protein diversity?
• What roles do regulatory proteins and spliceosomes play in alternative splicing?
• What are some potential consequences of errors in alternative splicing?

Related terms

Exon:

A segment of DNA or RNA that codes for part of a protein.

Intron:

A non-coding sequence within a gene that is removed during RNA processing.

Spliceosome: A complex of specialized RNA and protein subunits that removes introns from a transcribed pre-mRNA.