upgrade

🦠microbiology review

RNA splicing

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

RNA splicing is a process in which introns are removed from a pre-mRNA transcript and exons are joined together to form a mature mRNA molecule. This process is essential for the correct translation of genes into proteins.

RNA splicing cheat sheet for homework

visual study aid

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. RNA splicing occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
  2. Spliceosomes, composed of small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and proteins, facilitate RNA splicing.
  3. Alternative splicing can produce multiple protein variants from a single gene.
  4. Mutations affecting splice sites can lead to various genetic disorders.
  5. Exons are coding sequences that remain in the mRNA after splicing, while introns are non-coding sequences that are removed.

Review Questions

"RNA splicing" also found in:

Subjects (1)