What is the significance of alternative splicing?

Alternative splicing is significant for various reasons. It is important because it functions to increase the number of mRNA variants derived from the genome, and thus increasing diversity in gene expression. Since alternative splicing rearranges exons in different combinations, alternative splicing generates mRNA transcripts with diverse sequences, resulting in protein isoforms with distinct functions. For example, alternative splicing is crucial for the immune system as it enables genes to quickly adjust to new viruses and bacteria. It does this by producing unique proteins to fight each specific pathogen. Another reason it is important is because it contributes to the development of organisms and cellular differentiation. For example, during development, different cell types emerge from a single fertilized egg. Each cell type requires a specific set of proteins to perform its unique functions. Alternative splicing allows cells to produce distinct mRNA isoforms from a single gene, enabling them to generate a wide range of proteins with specialized functions. Lastly, alternative splicing is a process that occurs in almost all eukaryotic organisms, including animals, plants, and sometimes fungi.