A geneticist discovers that two different proteins are encoded by the same gene.

Question

A geneticist discovers that two different proteins are encoded by the same gene. One protein has 56 amino acids, and the other has 82 amino acids. What would be a possible explanation for how the same gene can encode both of these proteins?

The mutation has occurred and different lengths of mRNAs got generated by accident. Different types of 5 caps recruit different kind of ribosomes in the cytoplasm, resulting in proteins of different length. Different length of 3 poly(A) tail can lead to recruitment of different proteins, mediating further processing of mRNA in the cytoplasm. Alternative splicing or multiple 3 cleavage sites can generate multiple versions of mature mRNA transcripts from a single gene. There is a defect in post-translational processing of this particular protein, resulting in proteins of different length.

Explanation / Answer

Alternative splicing or multiple 3 cleavage sites can generate multiple versions of mature mRNA transcripts from a single gene.

Alternative splicing is seen in eukaryotes where a single gene can give rise to many different proteins.

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