Fiveable
Fiveable

Exon

Definition

An exon is a segment of DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.

Analogy

Think of an exon as the chapters in a book. Each chapter (exon) contains important information (codes for proteins) that contributes to the overall story (the functioning of an organism).

Related terms

Intron: These are non-coding sections of an RNA molecule that are removed before the RNA is translated into protein.

Coding Sequence: This is the portion of a gene's DNA or RNA, composed of exons, that codes for protein.

Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

"Exon" appears in:

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.