Final answer:
The process by which different exons are combined to form various mRNAs from the same gene, producing multiple protein products, is known as alternative RNA splicing or exon shuffling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon whereby different combinations of exons are joined to produce different mRNAs from the same transcript is called alternative RNA splicing or exon shuffling. This process allows for a single gene to produce multiple protein products by varying which exons are spliced together to form the mRNA. It is a common mechanism of gene regulation in eukaryotes, with estimates suggesting up to 70 percent of human genes are expressed as multiple proteins through alternative splicing. While the process can be haphazard, it is typically controlled by the cell, allowing for various proteins to be produced in different cells or at different developmental stages. The spliceosome, a complex of proteins and RNA molecules, ensures introns are removed and exons are rejoined with precision in the nucleus, whereby the exons maintain their original 5'-3' order.