exon
Definition
An exon is a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence. These sequences are kept and expressed in the final mature mRNA after the non-coding regions (introns) have been removed during RNA splicing.
Analogy
Imagine your favorite movie being edited before its release. The editors will cut out unnecessary scenes (introns) and keep only the essential scenes (exons) that contribute to the storyline, ensuring the final version tells the story effectively and efficiently.
Related terms
Introns: Introns are non-coding sequences of DNA or RNA that are removed from the precursor mRNA during RNA splicing to produce mature mRNA.
RNA Splicing: RNA splicing is a process where introns are removed and exons are joined together, resulting in a continuous sequence that codes for a protein.
Messenger RNA (mRNA): Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule that carries genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs
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