The split- gene arrangement represent probably an ancient feature of genome.
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Dear student,
A split gene or interrupted gene contains both exons and introns. Exons are the sections of the gene which can be expressed into RNA and proteins. Introns which are not expressed are placed between the exons.
Split gene arrangement can be seen in all eukaryotes including fungi. Most of the bacteria also show interruptions in some genes. Hence we can say that introns are well conversed across evolutionary history. This shows the importance of introns; especially in higher plants and animals. They require longer sequences of gene activation and down regulation for their growth and development. The split gene arrangement allows alternative splicing where various mRNA products are produced from a single gene. Various mRNA products are formed based on the exons which are included or excluded. This process increases the biodiversity of proteins that can be encoded by the genome.
Regards
A split gene or interrupted gene contains both exons and introns. Exons are the sections of the gene which can be expressed into RNA and proteins. Introns which are not expressed are placed between the exons.
Split gene arrangement can be seen in all eukaryotes including fungi. Most of the bacteria also show interruptions in some genes. Hence we can say that introns are well conversed across evolutionary history. This shows the importance of introns; especially in higher plants and animals. They require longer sequences of gene activation and down regulation for their growth and development. The split gene arrangement allows alternative splicing where various mRNA products are produced from a single gene. Various mRNA products are formed based on the exons which are included or excluded. This process increases the biodiversity of proteins that can be encoded by the genome.
Regards