(4.2) REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION IN HUMANS

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Questions and Answers

What do transcription factors primarily control?

  • The interaction of RNA with ribosomes
  • The structure of RNA molecules
  • The transcription of genes (correct)
  • The stability of DNA

How do transcription factors enhance promoter effectiveness?

  • By positioning RNA polymerase effectively (correct)
  • By preventing the binding of micro-RNAs
  • By decreasing the affinity of RNA polymerase
  • By increasing the stability of mRNA molecules

What role do micro-RNAs play in gene regulation?

  • They have no effect on gene regulation
  • They serve as a primary energy source for transcription
  • They inhibit transcription factors directly
  • They can affect the stability of mRNA (correct)

What is a key approach mentioned for analyzing regulatory networks of genes?

<p>Computational analysis of large datasets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are regulatory networks significant in cancer research?

<p>They help identify critical genes involved in cancer processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant level at which eukaryotes regulate gene expression?

<p>Transcription regulation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does constitively expressed mean in terms of gene regulation?

<p>The gene is always on and active in daily life processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential outcome when there’s a change in gene activity?

<p>Complete loss of the gene (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'regulatory networks' in the context of gene expression?

<p>Interactions among genes that control various biological processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key mechanism of post-transcriptional regulation?

<p>Localization of processed mRNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant effect of pseudo-uridination on RNA?

<p>It influences mRNA stability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a method of modifying RNA?

<p>Base pairing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many unique modifications can RNA undergo according to the content?

<p>Over 100 and up to 900 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does modifying RNA play in regulating its function?

<p>It controls RNA's half-life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a chemical modification mentioned for DNA?

<p>Acetylation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the lac operon is not activated in the absence of lactose?

<p>Activation requires the presence of a specific molecule. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would the TRIP operon be turned off?

<p>When there are low levels of tryptophan. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cyclic AMP play in relation to the lac operon?

<p>It enhances the transcription of lactose-splitting enzymes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor influencing the translation capability of mRNA in the TRIP operon?

<p>The physical structure of the mRNA molecule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do transcription and translation influence each other in prokaryotes?

<p>They are spatially coordinated in the same compartment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What correlation is noted between dysfunction in processing and human conditions?

<p>It correlates with various human diseases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of transcription factors, what does a circle in the diagram represent?

<p>A regulatory molecule or factor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the connections or shapes in the figure discussed?

<p>Direct paths of regulation between factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'big takeaways' related to regarding operons as mentioned?

<p>When gene expression is active or inactive. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major concept is illustrated by the circular statement regarding RNA modification?

<p>The impact of RNA modifications on functionality and disorders. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do charged tRNAs play when tryptophan levels are sufficient?

<p>They contribute to shutting off the TRIP operon. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) affect mRNA?

<p>By inhibiting translation through complementary base pairing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way eukaryotes regulate translation?

<p>By preventing mRNA from entering specific compartments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What overall effect does changing the accessibility of RNA have on cellular function?

<p>It can enhance or inhibit transcription and translation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to translation when there is a surplus of dietary components?

<p>Translation can be downregulated to prevent toxicity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of repressible operons, such as the trp operon?

<p>They can be turned off in response to excess end product. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do iron response elements (IREs) influence gene regulation in response to iron deficiency?

<p>They allow for increased translation of proteins involved in iron uptake. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the concept of functional heterogeneity in cell populations?

<p>Variations in gene expression contribute to different cell functions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do regulatory proteins interact with to control gene expression?

<p>Promoters, operators, and other regulatory elements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of attenuation in gene regulation?

<p>To finely tune the levels of gene expression based on cellular needs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes?

<p>Regulating association of polymerase with promoter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes constitutive gene expression?

<p>Genes that are expressed at all times for survival (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do epigenetic changes in DNA methylation affect gene expression?

<p>They can either increase or decrease gene expression (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of errors in post-transcriptional processing?

<p>Decreased RNA stability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential effect do regulatory networks have on cancer genetics?

<p>They reveal the presence of functional heterogeneity in tumors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do microRNAs have alongside transcription factors in gene regulation?

<p>They assist in regulating transcription and mRNA stability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of heritable gene expression profiles in multicellular organisms?

<p>They indicate functional heterogeneity even in clonally identical populations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of pseudouridylation on RNA molecules?

<p>It stabilizes RNA conformations and influences RNA-protein interactions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about gene regulatory networks is true?

<p>They consist of relationships between transcription factors and mRNA-binding sites (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of gene regulation, what is a significant feature of inducible genes?

<p>They can be activated under specific conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Eukaryotic gene regulation

Primarily happens at the transcription level, but other levels like post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational are also important.

Constitutively expressed genes

Genes that are always on; they are essential for basic cellular functions.

Post-transcriptional regulation

Controlling gene expression after transcription; includes mRNA processing, localization, export, import, translation, and protein modification.

Gene expression levels

Can increase, stay the same, or decrease at various stages (transcription, translation, etc.).

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Gene expression pathway

A network of steps, including transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications, regulating gene activity.

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Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to DNA and control the transcription of specific genes.

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Regulatory networks

Complex systems of interactions between genes and proteins that control cellular processes.

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Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to DNA and control the rate of transcription of specific genes.

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RNA polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes RNA molecules from a DNA template.

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Regulatory networks

Complex systems of interacting genes and proteins that control cellular processes.

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Computational analysis

Using computers to analyze large datasets of biological information, like gene expression.

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Micro-RNAs

Small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression.

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Gene regulation

Process by which the expression of a gene is controlled.

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Binding domains

Specific regions of proteins that bind to target DNA sequences.

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Cellular processes

Functions performed by a cell in the body

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Cancer research

Study of cancer, aimed at finding cures and treatments

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RNA Modification

RNA is chemically altered in ways, including splicing, in more than 100 ways. These modifications can impact mRNA stability, translation, and the structure of downstream products.

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Pseudo-uridine

A modified form of uridine, considered a "fifth nucleotide", that can affect mRNA stability and translation efficiency by changing RNA structure.

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RNA Regulation (Chemical)

The ability to chemically modify RNA to alter its lifespan (half-life) or how it impacts translation.

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tRNA Modification Examples

Modifying structural RNA like tRNA affects shape/stability influencing translation efficiency.

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DNA Modifications (heritable)

Certain DNA modifications (like methylation, acetylation), can be passed down through generations.

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Inactive X Chromosome

The inactive X chromosome may impact gene expression on autosomal chromosomes.

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Transcription factor function

Transcription factors initiate the process of transcription, thereby controlling gene expression.

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RNA modification examples

RNA can be chemically modified in various ways, like pseudo-uridylation and base deamination, affecting its functions, lifespan, and translations.

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Operon regulation (on/off)

Operons (gene clusters) are regulated by signals, determining when they're transcribed and translated.

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Human conditions & RNA processing steps

Dysfunction in RNA processing steps, from transcription to translation, can be linked to various human disorders.

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Regulatory network visualization

A visual representation of regulatory interactions, showing molecules (nodes) and their connections (edges).

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mRNA regulation

Controlling how much mRNA is produced and its ability to be translated.

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Translational regulation

Controlling how effectively mRNA is translated into proteins.

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Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)

Small RNA molecules that can block or destroy mRNA, preventing translation.

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Antisense RNA

RNA molecules complementary to a specific mRNA sequence, stopping translation.

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RNA accessibility

The ability of mRNA to be reached by ribosomes for translation.

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Environmental factors & translation

External factors influence the need for specific proteins, changing translation rates.

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Negative feedback regulation

Regulation of gene expression where the product of a process limits that process.

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Lac Operon Regulation

The lac operon is turned on only when lactose is present, as it's involved in lactose breakdown. Glucose is a preferred fuel, so sometimes lactose usage is skipped, even if lactose is present.

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Lac Operon 'off' signal

The presence of glucose, a preferred energy source, can lead to the lac operon staying inactive, even when lactose is present.

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TRP Operon Regulation

The TRP operon is active until sufficient amounts of tryptophan are produced. High tryptophan levels turn off the system, creating a negative feedback loop.

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TRP Operon 'on' signal

The TRP operon is turned on until enough tryptophan is produced in the cell.

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Attenuation

A form of gene regulation that involves the mRNA shape (and its ability to have a certain shape) directly controlling whether it is translated to proteins.

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Transcription and Translation Coupling

In prokaryotes, transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein) happen in the same location and can be simultaneously influenced by the mRNA shape.

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Constitutive gene

A gene that is always expressed, regardless of the cell's needs.

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Coordinate regulation

Multiple genes acting together, controlled by the same regulatory mechanisms.

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Operator (gene)

Region of DNA where regulatory proteins bind, controlling gene expression.

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Promoter (gene)

Region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

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Regulatory element

A DNA sequence that interacts with regulatory proteins to control gene expression.

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Regulatory protein

Protein that binds to DNA to regulate gene expression.

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Inducible gene

A gene whose expression is turned on in response to specific signals.

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Repressible gene

A gene whose expression is turned off in response to specific signals.

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aporepressor

A protein that is inactive on its own, requires a corepressor to bind to DNA.

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Iron response element

A specific DNA sequence that regulates iron-dependent gene expression.

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Attenuation

A form of transcriptional regulation in which the mRNA structure directly controls translation.

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Gene Regulation by Environment

Gene expression can change in response to environmental stimuli.

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Promoters

DNA sequences that RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

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Operators

DNA sequences that can block or allow RNA polymerase's access to a promoter.

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Regulatory Elements

DNA sequences influencing gene expression levels, including enhancers and silencers.

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Regulatory Proteins

Proteins binding to regulatory elements, affecting transcription rates.

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Constitutive Genes

Genes that are consistently expressed regardless of environmental conditions.

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Inducible Genes

Genes whose expression is activated by specific environmental stimuli.

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Repressible Genes

Genes whose expression is inhibited by specific environmental stimuli.

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DNA Mutations

Changes in DNA sequence that may affect gene expression.

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Gene Expression Pathway

The complete sequence of events from DNA to protein production, including multiple stages.

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Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

More complex gene regulation in eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes, spanning multiple stages beyond transcription.

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Post-transcriptional Regulation

Gene regulation after transcription, including mRNA processing, localization, and degradation.

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RNA Modifications

Chemical alterations to RNA molecules that impact their stability, function, and regulation.

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Heritable Gene Expression

Gene expression patterns that can be passed down through generations.

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Gene Regulatory Networks

Complex systems of interactions where transcription factors and microRNAs work together to control gene expression.

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Study Notes

Eukaryotic Transcription Regulation

  • Eukaryotes primarily regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level, unlike prokaryotes.
  • Essential genes are often constitutively expressed, meaning always turned on.
  • Regulation involves various steps, including transcription, post-transcriptional processing, localization, import/export, translation, and degradation.
  • Changes in gene activity can increase, decrease or have no effect on activity levels.
  • Deregulation can lead to adverse outcomes.
  • Gene expression is considered a pathway, with multiple factors affecting each step.

Transcription Factors

  • Transcription factors control transcription by influencing RNA polymerase binding to DNA.
  • High-affinity promoters are activated rapidly, while lower-affinity promoters respond more slowly.
  • A single transcription factor can control numerous genes.
  • Regulatory networks involve complex interactions between multiple genes and factors, affecting various cellular processes like migration.

RNA Modifications

  • RNA molecules undergo numerous modifications, impacting RNA function and stability.
  • Chemical modifications and splicing significantly impact RNA function.
  • Pseudo-uridylation is an example of RNA modification influencing translation and mRNA stability.
  • Modifications can affect base pairing and overall conformation of the molecule.
  • Modifications are crucial for regulating cellular processes and influencing expression.

Heritable Gene Expression Patterns

  • Clonal identities show functional heterogeneity, even with genetically identical cells.
  • Expression patterns can differ in clonal populations, affecting responses to treatments.
  • The liver and brain have different gene expression patterns.
  • Environmental factors can influence heritable expression patterns.

Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

  • Prokaryotic systems commonly use inducible and repressible systems for gene regulation.
  • Catabolic enzymes are often inducible, while anabolic enzymes are typically repressible.
  • The operon model links multiple genes involved in a single metabolic pathway.
  • Operators inhibit expression of controlled genes.
  • Lactose presence in the system affects the regulation of the operon.
  • Glucose presence inhibits expression of controlled genes.

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