What are multiple structurally similar proteins formed from alternative splicing called?

The term for multiple structurally similar proteins that arise from alternative splicing is "protein isoforms." Alternative splicing is a biological process that enables a single gene to code for multiple proteins by allowing different combinations of exons to be joined together, resulting in various protein products that can have similar structures but potentially different functions.

Protein isoforms can have variations in their amino acid sequences due to the inclusion or exclusion of specific exons or variations in the splicing sites. This diversity in protein function is crucial for the cell, as it allows for greater flexibility and regulation in response to different cellular conditions or developmental stages.

Understanding this concept is important as it highlights the complexity of gene expression and protein function, illustrating how a limited number of genes can generate a wide variety of proteins that contribute to various biological processes.