Gene Expression and Regulation Quiz

The process of controlling which genes are expressed in a cell.

A specialized DNA sequence that controls gene expression in prokaryotes, consisting of a promoter, an operator, and a series of genes.

A protein that binds to the operator region of an operon and blocks RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes.

A segment of DNA that binds to RNA polymerase and initiates transcription.

A permanent change in the DNA sequence.

A mutation that causes a change in the reading frame of a gene, often leading to a nonfunctional protein.

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific sequences, often used in genetic engineering.

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size.

A process that uses repeated cycles of heating and cooling to amplify a specific segment of DNA. It involves the use of primers, DNA polymerase, and nucleotides.

Short sequences of DNA that are complementary to the target DNA sequence and act as starting points for DNA synthesis during PCR.

The first step of PCR where the DNA strands are separated by heating to about 95°C, breaking the hydrogen bonds between them.

The second step of PCR where primers bind to the separated DNA strands at specific locations, marking the beginning of the segment to be copied.

The third step of PCR where DNA polymerase extends the primers using nucleotides, building new DNA strands complementary to the template strands.

A technique that creates a unique pattern of DNA fragments based on the variation in the number of short, repeating sequences within a person's DNA.

The number of times a specific DNA sequence repeats within an individual's genome, which varies between individuals.

DNA that is formed when genes from different organisms are combined, often using techniques like PCR and restriction enzymes.

A genetically engineered organism (GEO) has a modified genome, meaning its DNA has been changed intentionally. This alteration can be adding, removing, or modifying specific genes.

Transgenic plants are those that have been genetically modified to contain DNA from another organism, often to introduce beneficial traits like pest resistance.

The Human Genome Project, a massive scientific undertaking, aimed to map and sequence the entire human genome. One of its key goals was to identify all the genes within our DNA.

Gene sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) within a gene or an entire genome. It's like reading a book of DNA, where each letter represents a nucleotide.

Proteomics focuses on the study of an organism's entire set of proteins. It aims to understand how proteins interact and function within a cell.

Bioinformatics is the use of computer tools and databases to analyze biological data, such as DNA sequences and protein structures. It helps scientists extract meaningful insights from vast biological datasets.

DNA microarrays are powerful tools that allow researchers to simultaneously study the expression levels of thousands of genes at once. This helps them understand how gene activity differs in different cell types or under different conditions.

A substitution mutation occurs when a single nucleotide in a DNA sequence is replaced with a different nucleotide. It's like changing one letter in a word.

The specific sequence of nucleotides that a restriction enzyme recognizes and cuts.

DNA strands that have single-stranded ends after being cut by a restriction enzyme.

A genetically modified organism, a plant or animal whose genetic makeup has been altered through genetic engineering.

DNA fragments are negatively charged, causing them to move towards the positive electrode during gel electrophoresis.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify DNA sequences, invented by Kary Mullis.

The cells in our body differentiate because they express different sets of genes.

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to DNA and help RNA polymerase identify the start of a gene.

A promoter is a DNA sequence located upstream of a gene that acts as a binding site for RNA polymerase and initiates transcription.

A type of DNA sequence in prokaryotes that controls gene expression by regulating the transcription of genes under its control. It includes a promoter, an operator, and a series of structural genes.

A protein that binds to the operator region of an operon, preventing RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes. It acts as a gatekeeper, controlling gene expression.

The lactose molecule binds to the repressor protein, changing its shape and preventing it from binding to the operator. This allows RNA polymerase to transcribe the lac operon genes.

A type of cell that has the potential to differentiate into various specialized cell types in the body. These cells are like blank slates, capable of becoming any cell type needed.

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. It utilizes an electric current to move DNA fragments through a gel matrix, with smaller fragments migrating faster than larger ones.

The complete set of genetic material in an organism, including all of its genes and non-coding DNA sequences. It's like the complete blueprint of an organism's life.

Enzymes that cut DNA molecules at specific recognition sequences, often used in genetic engineering. They act like molecular scissors, precisely cutting DNA at specific locations.

It accounts for the controlled expression of genes in response to cellular needs. Operons ensure that genes are expressed only when required, optimizing resource utilization and preventing wasteful gene expression.

The study of all proteins in an organism, including their functions and interactions.

Microarrays are small chips that allow the study of many genes and their expression at the same time.

DNA microarrays can be used to compare gene expression in different cells because genes that are being expressed show up as glowing dots on a microarray. The pattern of dots can be compared across different types of cells.

Bioinformatics uses computer databases to organize and analyze biological data, which helps genomics research by providing storage, comparison, and modeling tools for vast genomic information.

Genomics is related to all of an organism's DNA, proteomics is related to all of an organism's proteins, and bioinformatics is related to biological information.