Alternative RNA splicing allows one gene to produce different protein products by removing different combinations of introns and exons. According to one estimate, roughly what fraction of human genes are expressed as multiple proteins through alternative splicing?
A20 percent
B40 percent
C70 percent
D90 percent
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. 70 percent
1. Alternative RNA splicing allows different protein products to be produced from one gene when different combinations of introns and exons are removed.
2. This splicing is controlled by the cell as a mechanism of gene regulation across different cells or developmental stages.
3. According to one estimate, 70 percent of human genes are expressed as multiple proteins through alternative splicing.
4. This makes alternative splicing a common mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotes.
5. 20 percent and 40 percent are both lower than the actual estimate given for this figure.
6. 90 percent overstates the actual estimate given for genes expressed as multiple proteins through alternative splicing.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 16 "Gene Expression", section RNA splicing, the first stage of post-transcriptional control_
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