Q1CC
Question
The best estimate is that the human genome contains fewer than 21,000 genes. However, there is evidence that human cells produce many more than 21,000 different polypeptides. What processes might account for this discrepancy?
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedThe process that causes the discrepancy, such as fewer genes, is described by the alternative splicing of RNA transcripts from a gene. However, a higher number of polypeptides are described by the post-translational processing of polypeptides
A gene is defined as an elementary physical as well as a functional unit of heredity. The functional yields of most recognized genes are described as proteins. These are also acknowledged as polypeptides.
It is acknowledged that numerous proteins possess only one polypeptide. However, few proteins are composed of numerous polypeptides.
Alternative splicing works by joining or skipping sections of exons as well as noncoding sections inside a pre-mRNA transcript. This results in the formation of multiple protein isoforms that are programmed by a distinct gene.
The post-translational modification process describes the biochemical variations that occur after the construction of a protein.
This process comprises covalent processing measures that alter the features of a protein by the action of proteolytic cleavage and by adding diverse groups like acetyl, methyl, and others. So, both these processes exhibit their role in explaining the discrepancy in terms of genes and polypeptides.