Alternative splicing increases protein diversity by producing different proteins from the same gene.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It occurs only in prokaryotes
• D. It reduces the number of protein isoforms

Answer: (A)

Alternative splicing allows a single gene to generate multiple mRNA transcripts by including or skipping different exons during RNA processing. Because exons encode parts of the protein, different splicing patterns create distinct protein isoforms with potentially different domains, activities, or cellular localizations. This mechanism greatly expands the variety of proteins an organism can produce without increasing the number of genes in the genome. It is a common feature in eukaryotes, whereas prokaryotes typically have fewer introns and do not generally use alternative splicing. The idea that this process would occur only in prokaryotes or that it reduces the number of isoforms does not fit biology. Therefore, the statement is true.