A process for generating different mature mRNAs from a single gene by splicing together different sets of exons during RNA processing.

• Can be a deliberate mechanism for generating a family of different proteins with different activities and functions from a singel gene
• Variation comes from alternative splicing

(miRNA) tiny RNA molecules found in noncoding regions

• microRNA are important regulators of gene expression

Translation of mRNA can be regulated

(2 ways)

1. By blocking the translation of mRNA
2. Altering how long newly synthesized proteins persist in the cell (proteing longetvity)

Regulation of Translation

(3 ways)

Cells regulate gene expression by blocking the translation of mRNA in 3 ways

1. Inhibit translation with miRNAs
2. modification of the guanosine triphosphate cap n the 5' end of the mRNA
3. repressor proteins directly block translation