What is a leading theory for the existence of introns?
A) Introns are produced by insertion of viral genomes.
B) Introns accelerate RNA translation.
C) Introns facilitate protein evolution and adaptation.
D) Introns accelerate RNA transcription.
E) Introns are inherited in evolution from prokaryotes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The leading theory for the existence of introns is that they facilitate protein evolution and adaptation. By allowing for alternative RNA splicing, introns can generate multiple protein isoforms from a single gene, allowing for increased functional diversity and adaptation to changing environments. Additionally, introns can contain regulatory elements that affect gene expression, further contributing to the adaptability of organisms.

What Is a Leading Theory for the Existence of Introns