Question

________ enables a single gene to encode two...

What process enables a single gene to encode two or more polypeptides with different amino acid sequences?
a) Reverse transcription
b) Self-splicing
c) Capping
d) Alternative splicing
e) Regulatory splicing

Answer 1

Alternative splicing is the process that enables a single gene to encode two or more polypeptides with different amino acid sequences, serving as a critical mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process that enables a single gene to encode two or more polypeptides with different amino acid sequences is known as alternative splicing.

This mechanism involves the production of different protein products from one gene through various combinations of exon and intron removal during the mRNA processing stage.

Alternative splicing can often be controlled and acts as a mechanism of gene regulation, allowing for differential protein expression in different cells or during different stages of development. In humans, it is estimated that up to 70% of genes express multiple proteins through this process, highlighting its importance in biological complexity and variation.

Answer 2

Alternative splicing is the process that allows a single gene to produce multiple polypeptides, with different amino acid sequences, by varying exon combinations in the mRNA. Option c is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process that enables a single gene to encode two or more polypeptides with different amino acid sequences is known as alternative splicing. This biological mechanism allows for different protein products to be produced from one gene by varying the combinations of exons that are put together to form the mRNA.

In eukaryotic cells, alternative splicing is a common form of gene regulation, and it's estimated that around 70 percent of human genes are expressed as multiple proteins due to this process.

The exons are spliced in various combinations while maintaining the original 5'-3' order, and this can occur in a regulated manner depending on cell type or developmental stage, hence affecting the gene regulation and the diversity of proteins synthesized.