noun
- segments of DNA or RNA that contain coding sequences and are expressed in the final mature RNA product
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- The gene contains five exons separated by introns.
- During RNA processing, exons are joined together while introns are removed.
- Scientists identified mutations in several exons of the disease gene.
- The protein is encoded by exons scattered across a large genomic region.
- Alternative splicing can include or exclude certain exons.
- Exons make up only a small percentage of the human genome.