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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of enhancers in gene expression?
What is the primary role of enhancers in gene expression?
- They are always located directly adjacent to the promoter.
- They bind proteins that inhibit transcription.
- They bind regulatory proteins that increase gene expression. (correct)
- They decrease gene transcription by binding repressors.
Which statement correctly describes the function of a promoter?
Which statement correctly describes the function of a promoter?
- It can be located within the gene it regulates.
- It serves as a binding site for RNA polymerase II. (correct)
- It acts as a sequence that silences gene expression.
- It modifies histones to influence gene activity.
What is a key feature of silencer regions in DNA?
What is a key feature of silencer regions in DNA?
- They bind regulatory proteins known as repressors. (correct)
- They are only found in prokaryotic organisms.
- They increase gene expression in certain conditions.
- They are always located at the 5' end of the mRNA.
How do epigenetic changes differ from mutations?
How do epigenetic changes differ from mutations?
Which of the following is NOT a primary mechanism of epigenetic change?
Which of the following is NOT a primary mechanism of epigenetic change?
Flashcards
Role of Enhancers
Role of Enhancers
Enhancers increase gene expression by binding regulatory proteins.
Function of a Promoter
Function of a Promoter
A promoter is a binding site for RNA polymerase II, initiating transcription.
Key Feature of Silencers
Key Feature of Silencers
Silencer regions decrease gene expression by binding repressor proteins.
Epigenetic Changes vs. Mutations
Epigenetic Changes vs. Mutations
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NOT a Mechanism of Epigenetic Change
NOT a Mechanism of Epigenetic Change
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Study Notes
Functional Organization of a Eukaryotic Gene
- Eukaryotic gene organization involves distinct stages: DNA (coding strand), pre-mRNA, mature mRNA, and ultimately protein synthesis.
Regulation of Gene Expression
- Promoter:
- A critical DNA region where RNA polymerase II and transcription factors bind.
- Contains AT-rich sequences, TATA, and CAAT boxes which vary between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
- Enhancer:
- A DNA locus that allows regulatory proteins called "activators" to bind.
- Enhancers function to increase gene expression for genes within the same chromosome.
- Silencer:
- A DNA sequence where regulatory proteins known as "repressors" attach.
- Silencers decrease gene expression for the associated genes on the same chromosome.
- Epigenetics:
- Refers to heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence.
- Changes can be passed on during mitosis (cell division) or meiosis (formation of gametes).
Other Features
- Promoters play an essential role in initiating transcription; mutations in promoters can significantly lower gene transcription levels.
- Enhancers and silencers can be located in various positions relative to the gene they regulate, including within introns, and may be far or close to the gene.
- Primary mechanisms influencing epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone modification, and the activity of noncoding RNA.
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