Gene Regulation Overview and Mechanisms

The process of controlling the production of proteins from genes.

A process where the cell turns on or off specific genes to conserve energy and resources.

Genes that make proteins which are easy to detect. They can be tagged and attached to other genes and regulatory elements to track their activity.

Genes that produce fluorescent proteins (like GFP) allowing scientists to visualize gene expression in real-time.

Monitoring gene expression using reporter genes that emit a detectable signal when a gene is turned on.

A regulatory mechanism that prevents transcription.

A molecule that triggers the production of an enzyme.

A molecule that blocks the production of an enzyme.

A collective term for molecules that either induce or repress enzyme synthesis.

A specific DNA-binding protein that binds to the operator.

A particular site on DNA where the repressor protein binds.

A cluster of genes regulated by a single operator.

The process of turning on gene expression.

The binding of an effector molecule to a repressor protein, changing its activity.

The process of turning off gene expression using a repressor protein that binds to the operator.

Archaea use these proteins to control transcription, similar to bacterial transcription control.

These proteins inhibit transcription by binding to specific DNA sequences.

NrpR is a repressor protein found in Methanococcus maripaludis, involved in regulating nitrogen metabolism.

It's a process that sets the stage for other microbial mechanisms.

The DNA sequence of Archaea is more similar to Eukarya, while their transcription control mechanism is more like Bacteria.

In prokaryotes, cellular metabolism is adjusted in response to changes in the environment.

A signaling molecule produced by bacteria that indicates the presence of other nearby microbes, allowing bacteria to communicate.

Prokaryotic systems that directly transmit external signals to target genes or indirectly through a sensor protein and regulatory machinery.

In two-component regulatory systems, a sensor protein detects an external signal and relays it to the regulatory machinery.

The process by which bacteria use quorum sensing to activate genes involved in their collective behavior.

A type of protein that binds to DNA and influences the expression of genes. It can either activate or repress gene transcription.

A type of gene regulation where a DNA-binding protein binds to DNA and promotes transcription. It effectively turns the gene 'on'.

The production of an enzyme in response to a specific signal. This usually happens when the cell needs to break down a specific substrate.

A type of negative regulation where a DNA-binding protein called a repressor binds to a specific region of DNA and blocks transcription. Repression is usually triggered by the presence of the substrate being metabolized.

The process of switching on or off genes based on the environment. This allows bacteria to adapt to constantly changing conditions.

A collection of microorganisms that adhere to a surface and form a protective layer.

A substance produced by a bacterium that contributes to its ability to cause disease.

A type of virulence factor produced by some bacteria that can cause damage to the host's tissues.

A toxin produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7, a harmful strain of bacteria.

A signal molecule used in quorum sensing.

A signaling molecule used in quorum sensing by Vibrio harveyi bacteria.

The ability of bacteria to move towards or away from a stimulus.

Polysaccharides produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that enhance their virulence and antibiotic resistance.

A second messenger molecule involved in bacterial signaling and biofilm formation.