What is the primary function of enhancers in mammalian genomes?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the role of enhancers in mammalian genomes, specifically their impact on gene promoter activity and how they function in a tissue-specific manner.
Answer
Enhancers activate gene transcription to higher levels by forming chromatin loops to bring the enhancer and target gene into proximity.
The primary function of enhancers in mammalian genomes is to activate the transcription of a gene or genes to higher levels than would be possible in their absence. They achieve this by forming chromatin loops that bring the enhancer and target gene closer together.
Answer for screen readers
The primary function of enhancers in mammalian genomes is to activate the transcription of a gene or genes to higher levels than would be possible in their absence. They achieve this by forming chromatin loops that bring the enhancer and target gene closer together.
More Information
Enhancers are critical elements in the genome that boost gene expression by ensuring that specific genes are more active when necessary. They don't need to be located next to the genes they regulate, allowing for complex regulatory networks.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing enhancers with promoters. Promoters are the direct sites where transcription starts, while enhancers regulate the activity of promoters from a distance.
Sources
- Enhancers are DNA-regulatory elements - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Neurobiological functions of transcriptional enhancers - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Mechanisms of enhancer action: the known and the unknown - genomebiology.biomedcentral.com
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
