What is alternative splicing?

Alternative splicing is a critical biological process that allows a single gene to produce multiple protein isoforms. In this process, different combinations of exons are joined together, while introns are removed from the pre-mRNA. By varying the inclusion of certain exons, cells can generate diverse proteins with distinct functions from the same genetic material. This versatility is significant in contributing to the complexity of gene expression and protein diversity in eukaryotic organisms.

The process is essential for many cellular functions and can be regulated in response to developmental cues or environmental changes, allowing organisms to adapt to different situations. Therefore, the concept that alternative splicing is a method for generating multiple proteins from a single gene accurately reflects its role in coding for a variety of proteins while minimizing genetic redundancy.