exon

(noun)

a region of a transcribed gene present in the final functional RNA molecule

Related Terms

  • intron
  • spliceosome
  • pseudogene

Examples of exon in the following topics:

  • RNA Splicing

    • The regions of RNA that code for protein are called exons .
    • Splicing can be regulated so that different mRNAs can contain or lack exons, in a process called alternative splicing.
    • It can also occur if portions on an exon are excluded/included or if there is an inclusion of introns.
    • Exons A, B, and C can be translated together or Exons A, C, and D can be translated.
    • Once the introns are cleaved and removed, the exons are joined together by a phosphodiester bond.
  • mRNA Processing

    • This is supported by the fact that separate exons often encode separate protein subunits or domains.
    • The process of removing introns and reconnecting exons is called splicing.
    • Then the spliceosme connects the 3' end of the first exon to the 5' end of the following exon, cleaving the 3' end of the intron in the process.
    • Then the 3' end of the just-released exon is joined to the 5' end of the next exon, cleaving the bond that attaches the 3' end of the intron to its adjacent exon.
    • This both joins the two exons and removes the intron in lariat form.
  • Genome Evolution

    • Processes such as mutations, duplications, exon shuffling, transposable elements and pseudogenes have contributed to genomic evolution.
    • Exon shuffling is a mechanism by which new genes are created.
    • This can occur when two or more exons from different genes are combined together or when exons are duplicated.
    • Exon shuffling results in new genes by altering the current intron-exon structure.
    • Exon shuffling may introduce new genes into the genome that can be either selected against and deleted or selectively favored and conserved.
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