Gene Expression and Regulation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of mRNA in gene expression?

To carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis. (correct)
To transport amino acids to the ribosome.
To catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.
To provide the structural framework of the ribosome.

Translation is the process where DNA is directly converted into a protein.

False (B)

What is the role of tRNA in the translation process?

tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids to the ribosome and recognize mRNA codons through complementary base pairing.

During translation, mRNA binds to a __________, which serves as the site for protein synthesis.

ribosome Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components with their roles in translation:

mRNA = Carries the genetic code tRNA = Transports amino acids Ribosome = Site of protein synthesis rRNA = Catalyzes peptide bond formation Signup and view all the answers

Which level of regulation in gene expression involves modifications to histone proteins?

Transcriptional regulation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Changes to DNA sequence always result in a non-functional protein.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe one way in which mutations in the regulatory region of a gene can affect gene expression.

Mutations in regulatory regions like promoters or enhancers can alter the rate of transcription, leading to either increased or decreased production of mRNA and, consequently, the protein. Signup and view all the answers

__________ modifications, can affect gene expression patterns without altering the DNA sequence.

Epigenetic Signup and view all the answers

Match the regulatory mechanism with its description:

Transcriptional regulation = Controls the amount of mRNA produced Translational regulation = Controls the rate at which mRNA is translated into protein Epigenetic regulation = Modifies chromatin structure to alter gene expression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a potential consequence of a mutation in the coding region of a gene?

Production of an abnormal protein. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Alterations to DNA only affect the protein's structure, not its function.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can alterations to epigenetic marks affect gene expression?

Epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can alter chromatin structure, making DNA either more or less accessible for transcription. This can lead to increased or decreased gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

Mutations in __________ regions of genes can lead to altered transcription rates.

regulatory Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of DNA alteration with its potential effect:

Mutation in promoter = Altered transcription rate Mutation in coding region = Abnormal protein Change in DNA methylation = Altered gene expression pattern Signup and view all the answers

What process is directly affected by mutations in the promoter region of a gene?

Transcription (B) Signup and view all the answers

Mutations in DNA always lead to observable changes in an organism's phenotype.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a frameshift mutation can affect the functional gene product more severely than a point mutation.

A frameshift mutation, caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides, leads to a completely different amino acid sequence downstream, often resulting in a non-functional protein. A point mutation, on the other hand, only affects a single amino acid and might have a less drastic effect on the protein's overall function. Signup and view all the answers

The process of converting mRNA into a protein is known as __________.

translation Signup and view all the answers

Match the alteration to DNA with the corresponding step in gene expression it affects:

Promoter mutation = Transcription Codon mutation = Translation Replication error = DNA replication Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

mRNA Translation

The process of converting the nucleotide sequence in mRNA into an amino acid sequence to form a polypeptide chain, ultimately creating a functional protein.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

Molecule that binds to mRNA codons, carrying specific amino acids during translation, ensuring the correct sequence for protein synthesis.

mRNA Codons

Three-nucleotide sequences in mRNA that are recognized by tRNA molecules during translation, dictating the order of amino acids in the polypeptide chain.

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

Facilitates the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during translation, leading to the elongation of the polypeptide chain within the ribosome.