Alternative RNA splicing
Definition
Alternative RNA splicing is a process where a single pre-mRNA transcript is spliced in different ways to produce multiple mature mRNA variants. This mechanism allows one gene to code for multiple proteins, increasing the diversity of proteins that can be produced by an organism.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Alternative RNA splicing occurs during the post-transcriptional modification of RNA.
- This process is regulated by specific proteins and RNA sequences called spliceosomes.
- Different splicing patterns can result from the inclusion or exclusion of exons.
- It plays a crucial role in the complexity of eukaryotic gene expression.
- Errors in alternative splicing can lead to diseases such as cancer and spinal muscular atrophy.
Review Questions
- What role does alternative RNA splicing play in protein diversity?
- How do spliceosomes influence alternative RNA splicing?
- What are the potential consequences of errors in alternative RNA splicing?
"Alternative RNA splicing" appears in:
Related terms
Exon: A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.
Intron: A non-coding section of an RNA transcript that is removed during RNA splicing.
Spliceosome: A complex of specialized RNA and protein subunits that removes introns from a transcribed pre-mRNA segment.
