Final answer:
If snRNPs failed to recognize the branch point within an intron, intron retention would likely happen, which could result in the production of a dysfunctional protein. The correct answer is option (a).
Step-by-step explanation:
If small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) did not recognize the branch point within an intron, alternative splicing such as intron retention would likely occur. During the splicing process, snRNPs are essential components of the spliceosome that identify specific nucleotide sequences at both the 5' and 3' ends of an intron. These sequences are crucial for the accurate and precise removal of introns.
An unrecognized branch point could prevent proper splicing, causing the intron to be retained within the mature mRNA transcript. This could lead to the production of a dysfunctional protein, as the reading frame of the mRNA may be shifted or altered.