Significance of Alternative Splicing in Protein Diversity

During the process of gene expression, both transcription and translation are critical steps that involve several molecular players and mechanisms. A eukaryotic cell utilizes various transcription factors that bind to specific DNA sequences to initiate the transcription of a gene into messenger RNA (mRNA). After mRNA is synthesized, it undergoes processing that includes splicing, capping, and polyadenylation before it is transported out of the nucleus. Once in the cytoplasm, ribosomes translate the mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

Consider the role of alternative splicing in eukaryotic gene expression. What is the primary biological significance of alternative splicing in the context of protein diversity?