Gene Expression and Epigenetics

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What is the focus of epigenetics?

Changes in gene expression due to alterations in DNA sequence

Gene expression regulation through transcription factor binding

DNA repair mechanisms during gene expression

Mechanisms leading to changes in gene expression that can be passed from cell to cell (correct)

What is the result of DNA methylation of CpG dinucleotides during cell differentiation and development?

Gene activation

Gene repression (correct)

Epigenetic silencing

No effect on gene expression

What is the primary location of histone modifications?

DNA-histone interface

C-terminal tails of histones

N-terminal tails of histones (correct)

Core nucleosome structure

What is a characteristic of epigenetic changes?

Can be passed from cell to cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a common observation in cancer cells regarding DNA methylation?

Hypomethylation of large genomic segments and hypermethylation at CpG islands Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed mechanism by which certain epigenetic modifications influence gene expression?

By affecting chromatin compaction, accessibility, and signaling of protein complexes Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of autosomal genes are affected by allelic imbalance?

5% to 20% Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential mechanism underlying allelic imbalance?

Changes in transcription factor binding Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of RNA sequencing of cell populations in the context of gene expression?

To quantify gene expression levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phenomenon where one allele is preferentially expressed over the other?

Allelic imbalance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 7-methylguanosine cap added to the 5' end of mRNA?

Protection of mRNA from degradation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of alternative splicing?

Production of multiple mRNA isoforms from a single gene Signup and view all the answers

What type of modification can affect mRNA structure, stability, and interactions with RNA-binding proteins?

Base Modifications Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of polyadenylation?

Enhancing mRNA stability and facilitating mRNA export from the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the order of events in gene expression?

Transcription initiation, transcription elongation, post-transcriptional modifications Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of the combinatorial nature of protein networks?

A greater diversity of possible cellular functions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of introns in gene expression?

They are initially transcribed into RNA but are not present in mature mRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of gene families?

They have similar DNA sequences and encode polypeptides with closely related amino acid sequences and function Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of information flow in the Central Dogma?

DNA RNA Protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of exons in gene expression?

They ultimately determine the amino acid sequence of the protein Signup and view all the answers