In this chapter, we focused on how eukaryotic gene expression is regulated posttranscriptionally. At the same time, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter:
How do we know that misregulation of mRNA stability and decay is a contributing factor in some cancers?
Ch. 17+18 - Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes
Chapter 17, Problem 3
List three types of alternative splicing patterns and how they lead to the production of different protein isoforms.

1
Understand that alternative splicing is a process by which different combinations of exons are joined together to produce multiple mRNA variants from a single gene.
Identify the first type of alternative splicing pattern: Exon Skipping, where certain exons are included or excluded from the final mRNA, leading to different protein isoforms.
Recognize the second type: Mutually Exclusive Exons, where one of two exons is included in the mRNA, but not both, resulting in different protein variants.
Learn about the third type: Alternative 5' or 3' Splice Sites, where different splice sites are used at the ends of exons, altering the length of the exons and thus the protein isoform.
Consider how these splicing patterns contribute to protein diversity by allowing a single gene to encode multiple proteins with potentially different functions or properties.

Verified Solution
Video duration:
3m
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 that allows a single gene to produce multiple mRNA variants by including or excluding certain exons. This mechanism increases the diversity of proteins that can be generated from a single gene, enabling cells to adapt to different functional needs and conditions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Alternative DNA Forms
Types of Alternative Splicing
There are several types of alternative splicing patterns, including exon skipping, mutually exclusive exons, and intron retention. Exon skipping involves the exclusion of one or more exons from the final mRNA, mutually exclusive exons allow only one of two exons to be included, and intron retention keeps introns in the mature mRNA, all of which can lead to different protein isoforms.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Alternative DNA Forms
Protein Isoforms
Protein isoforms are different forms of a protein that arise from the same gene due to alternative splicing. These isoforms can have distinct functional properties, localization, or interactions, which can significantly impact cellular processes and contribute to the complexity of gene expression regulation in various tissues.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Proteins
Related Practice
Textbook Question
332
views
Textbook Question
In this chapter, we focused on how eukaryotic gene expression is regulated posttranscriptionally. At the same time, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter:
How do we know that double-stranded RNA molecules can control gene expression?
339
views
Textbook Question
Write a short essay describing how an mRNA may be regulated in three different ways by specific cis-elements and RBPs.
283
views
Textbook Question
What features of eukaryotes provide additional opportunities for the regulation of gene expression compared to bacteria?
436
views
Textbook Question
Consider the CT/CGRP example of alternative splicing shown in Figure 18.3. Which different types of alternative splicing patterns are represented?
298
views
Textbook Question
Explain how the use of alternative promoters and alternative polyadenylation signals produces mRNAs with different 5' and 3' ends.
369
views