Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

16. Regulation of Expression

Eukaryotic Post-Transcriptional Regulation

General Biology

16. Regulation of Expression

Eukaryotic Post-Transcriptional Regulation

Previous problemNext problem

0:40 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

What is alternative splicing?
a. Phosphorylation that leads to different types of post-translational regulation
b. mRNA processing that leads to different combinations of exons being spliced together
c. Folding that leads to proteins with alternative conformations
d. The outcome of regulatory proteins that leads to changes in the life span of an mRNA

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of alternative splicing: Alternative splicing is a process during gene expression where a single pre-mRNA transcript can be spliced in different ways to produce multiple mature mRNA variants. This allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins.

Eliminate incorrect options by analyzing their definitions: Option (a) refers to phosphorylation, which is a post-translational modification, not related to mRNA splicing. Option (c) refers to protein folding, which occurs after translation and is unrelated to mRNA processing. Option (d) refers to mRNA stability and degradation, which is also unrelated to splicing.

Focus on option (b): This option describes mRNA processing that results in different combinations of exons being joined together. This is the correct definition of alternative splicing.

Relate the concept to biological significance: Alternative splicing increases protein diversity without requiring additional genes. It plays a critical role in development, cell differentiation, and adaptation to environmental changes.

Conclude that the correct answer is option (b), as it accurately describes the process of alternative splicing in mRNA processing.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

40s

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Alternative Splicing

Alternative splicing is a post-transcriptional process in which a single gene can lead to multiple mRNA variants by including or excluding certain exons. This mechanism allows for the generation of diverse protein isoforms from a single gene, significantly increasing the complexity of gene expression and protein function in eukaryotic cells.

Exons and Introns

Exons are the coding regions of a gene that are retained in the final mRNA transcript, while introns are non-coding regions that are removed during mRNA processing. The arrangement and selection of exons during splicing determine the specific protein product synthesized, influencing cellular functions and responses.

mRNA Processing

mRNA processing refers to the modifications that pre-mRNA undergoes before it becomes a mature mRNA molecule. This includes capping, polyadenylation, and splicing, which are essential for the stability, transport, and translation of mRNA, ultimately affecting gene expression and protein synthesis.