How Do Introns Influence Catalysis in Gene Expression?
Introns can influence gene expression through various mechanisms: 1. Alternative Splicing: Introns allow for different combinations of exons to be joined together, resulting in multiple protein isoforms from a single gene. This increases protein diversity and allows for more complex regulation of cellular processes. 2. Regulatory Elements: Some introns contain regulatory sequences that can enhance or repress gene expression. These elements can affect the efficiency of transcription and the stability of the mRNA. 3. Ribozymes: Certain introns have catalytic activity themselves and can act as ribozymes, facilitating their own excision from the pre-mRNA.
