Different versions of the same protein that arise from a single gene through alternative splicing or other modifications, having similar but distinct functions.
From Greek 'isos' (equal, same) + 'form,' coined in molecular biology in the late 20th century. The term reflects how these proteins share the same basic identity but have different structural forms.
Isoforms are nature's way of getting maximum diversity from minimal genetic code - like having one recipe but creating dozens of different dishes by varying the ingredients slightly. This biological efficiency is why humans can have such complexity with relatively few genes compared to simpler organisms.
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