VCAC: Molecular Processes: mRNA Splicing: Advanced Look: Spliceosome

Questions? Comments? Please contact Dr. Phillip McClean or Christina Johnson.

Flythrough Tour

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CELLULAR PROCESSES

Atp Synthase

Electron Transport Chain

Protein Trafficking

Protein Modification

Protein Recycling

Constitutive Secretion

Regulated Secretion

Mitochondrial Protein Transport

Photosynthesis

Photosystem II

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MOLECULAR PROCESSES

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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HOME > mRNA splicing > ADVANCED LOOK > 1.) primary transcript > 2.) spliceosome

mRNA Splicing: Advanced Look --> 2.) Spliceosome

Splicing is controlled by a large protein complex known as the spliceosome. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.

To see the Flash movie for the following sequence of images, click here.

	The spliceosome is built in several stages. First, one of the proteins from the complex binds near the GU sequence.
	The growing protein complex then brings the 5' GU end of the intron to the pyrimidine-rich region, folding the 5' end of the intron over itself.
	Here we see the spliceosome fully assembled. Several more proteins have joined to make the mature complex.
	Once fully assembled, the splicesome undergoes a conformational change.

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