Alternative Splicing

Definition

Alternative splicing is a regulated process during gene expression that results in a single gene coding for multiple proteins. In this process, certain exons of a gene may be included within or excluded from the final processed messenger RNA (mRNA) produced from that gene.

Related terms

Exon:

An exon is any part of a gene that will encode a part of the final mature RNA produced by that gene after introns have been removed by RNA splicing.

Intron: An intron is any nucleotide sequence within a gene that is removed by RNA splicing while the final mature mRNA product is being generated.

Gene Expression:

Gene expression involves transcribing DNA into mRNA and then translating mRNA into proteins. This process allows cells to produce specific proteins when they are needed.