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Multiple Choice
Alternative splicing does which of the following?
A
Allows a single gene to produce multiple different mRNA transcripts
B
Adds a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of mRNA
C
Degrades mRNA molecules in the cytoplasm
D
Removes the 5' cap from mRNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
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 transcripts. This allows for the production of different proteins from the same gene.
Review the role of splicing: Splicing involves the removal of introns (non-coding regions) and joining of exons (coding regions) in the pre-mRNA. Alternative splicing modifies this process by varying which exons are included in the final mRNA transcript.
Eliminate incorrect options: Adding a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of mRNA is a separate process called polyadenylation, not alternative splicing. Similarly, degrading mRNA molecules in the cytoplasm and removing the 5' cap are processes related to mRNA stability and decay, not splicing.
Focus on the correct option: Alternative splicing specifically allows a single gene to produce multiple different mRNA transcripts by varying the combination of exons included in the final mRNA.
Conclude the explanation: The correct answer is that alternative splicing enables a single gene to produce multiple different mRNA transcripts, increasing the diversity of proteins that can be synthesized from a single gene.