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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

Introns vs Exons- 25 Major Differences

In genetics, several factors affect gene structure and function. Introns and exons help gene expression and protein synthesis. We grasp genetic information and its translation into functional molecules from these DNA sequences. Life’s richness and variety depend on intron-exon interactions.

Protein synthesis instructions are in exons. Transcription and translation produce amino acids, which make proteins. Protein domains, motifs, and active sites are encoded by exons. Alternative splicing allows the synthesis of several protein isoforms from a single gene, enhancing genetic variety and functional complexity.

However, genes contain non-coding introns between exons. Introns, once termed “junk DNA,” regulate gene expression and evolution. Introns and exons produce a precursor mRNA molecule during transcription. After splicing, mature mRNA comprises solely exonic sequences. Introns regulate gene expression, facilitate genetic recombination, and provide a reservoir for new genes and functional elements, although they do not directly synthesize protein.

Introns and exons show how complicated gene control and genetic information are. Introns regulate, diversify, and evolve genes, while exons code proteins. Alternative splicing alters the proteome landscape and generates a varied array of proteins from a few genes.

In molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology, understanding intron-exon interactions is crucial. Their mechanisms reveal disease processes, genetic diversity, and focused treatment approaches. Introns and exons continue to fascinate scientists, revealing life’s genetic complexity. 

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S. No.

Aspect

Introns

Exons

1

Definition

Non-coding sequences within a gene

Coding sequences within a gene

2

Location

Located within the gene sequence

Located within the gene sequence

3

Size

Typically larger in size than exons

Typically smaller in size than introns

4

Function

Do not code for protein sequences

Code for protein sequences

5

Transcription

Transcribed into pre-mRNA

Transcribed into pre-mRNA

6

RNA Processing

Removed during RNA splicing

Remain in the final mature mRNA

7

Splicing

Requires splicing to remove introns

Does not require splicing

8

Codon Usage

No codons, not translated into amino acids

Contain codons, translated into amino acids

9

Nucleotide Composition

Rich in adenine (A) and thymine (T)

Varied nucleotide composition

10

RNA Stability

Often less stable than exons

Often more stable than introns

11

Gene Regulation

Involved in gene regulation and alternative splicing

Primarily involved in protein coding

12

Regulatory Elements

Can contain regulatory elements like enhancers and silencers

Largely lack regulatory elements

13

Evolutionary Conservation

Often less conserved among species

Highly conserved among species

14

Number

Multiple introns present in most genes

Multiple exons present in most genes

15

Alternative Splicing

Contribute to alternative splicing and generation of multiple mRNA isoforms

Not involved in alternative splicing

16

Protein Domains

Do not encode protein domains

Encode protein domains and functional regions

17

Gene Expression

Can regulate gene expression through splicing and noncoding RNA function

Directly contribute to gene expression

18

Examples

Introns in the human β-globin gene, human CFTR gene

Exons in the human β-globin gene, human CFTR gene

19

Presence

Present in most eukaryotic genes

Present in most eukaryotic genes

20

mRNA Structure

Removed from the primary mRNA transcript

Remain in the primary mRNA transcript

21

RNA Splicing Sites

Consensus splice sites for intron removal

Lack consensus splice sites

22

Protein Coding

Do not encode amino acids

Encode amino acids

23

Role in Evolution

Can facilitate evolutionary changes and genetic diversity

Contribute to the conservation of functional protein regions

24

Gene Length

Contribute to the overall gene length

Contribute to the overall gene length

25

Examples

Introns in the human BRCA1 gene, Drosophila melanogaster white gene

Exons in the human BRCA1 gene, Drosophila melanogaster white gene

Also Read: B Cells vs T Cells- Definition and 25 Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q1. What do exons and introns do?

DNA or RNA molecules have sections called introns and exons. Exons are coding sequences that are translated into proteins when they are transcribed, whereas introns are non-coding regions that are transcribed but not translated into proteins.

Q2. What are introns used for?

Protein coding information is found in exons. They are translated into the protein-building amino acid sequences after being translated into RNA. Exons control how proteins are created and how they work within the cell.

Q3. What connections do introns and exons have?

Within the same gene sequence, introns and exons can be present. Exons and introns are both initially translated into a precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) molecule. However, introns are cut out during splicing, and the remaining exons are combined to create the mature mRNA that is translated into protein.

Q4. How does alternative splicing work?

A single gene can produce several mRNA transcripts through the process of alternative splicing, which allows for various combinations of exons to be included or omitted throughout the splicing process. Different protein isoforms with specialized functions can be produced through this mechanism.

Q5. How frequently do genes have introns and exons?

Exons are rarer than introns. A number of introns are interspersed between exons in the majority of eukaryotic genes. Between genes, species, and even people, intron size and number can differ significantly.

Q6. Do introns and exons exist in all living things?

In eukaryotes, which are made up of plants, mammals, fungi, and protists, introns and exons are present. Prokaryotes, on the other hand, including bacteria and archaea, don’t contain introns and often have small genomes with few non-coding regions.

Q7.Do introns and exons have any corresponding diseases?

Exon and intron mutations can cause a variety of genetic illnesses. Exon mutations may modify the protein sequence, resulting in functional problems. The splicing process can be interfered with by intron mutations, which can lead to aberrant protein synthesis or control of gene expression.

Q8.Could introns contribute to genetic diversity?

Yes, introns help to maintain genetic variety. Different protein isoforms can be produced through alternative splicing, which is made possible by the presence of introns. By allowing organisms to adapt to shifting circumstances and carry out specialized tasks, this variety might provide evolution an edge.

Q9.What are the methods used to study introns and exons?

Introns and exons are studied by scientists using a variety of molecular biology methods, such as computational analysis, DNA sequencing, and RNA sequencing. These techniques assist in locating and analyzing introns and exons inside genes to determine their structure, functions, and regulatory processes.

Q10.What role do exons play in the body?

Protein coding information is found in exons. They are translated into the protein-building amino acid sequences after being translated into RNA. Exons control how proteins are created and how they work within the cell.

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