Biochem Flashcards
What are the 5 levels of gene expression?
- Genome
- Transcription
- RNA processing and nuclear export
- Translation
- Post translation
DNA and protein are complexed together to form what?
Chromatin
Modifications of DNA that switch specific gene expression on/off
Epigenetic mechanisms
What is the fundamental reaction in RNA synthesis?
Formation of phosphodiester bonds
How does RNA synthesis majorly differ from DNA synthesis?
RNA synthesis does not require a primer
What are promotors?
DNA sequences upstream ( in front ) of the coding sequence
What are non-coding RNA’s also known as?
RNA interference RNAi
What does the term “cancer-critical” refer to?
All genes whose alteration contributes to, causing or evolution of, cancer by driving tumour development
The study of how behaviour and environment cause changes affecting the way genes work
Epigenetics
The development of secondary malignant tumour at a distant site from primary cancer origin
Metastasis
What are the two main classes of cancer-critical genes?
- Proto-oncogenes
- Tumour-suppressor Genes
What mutation drives proto-oncogenes towards cancer?
A gain-of-function mutation
Mutant, overactive or over-expressed forms of proto-oncogenes are known as?
Oncogenes
What mutation drives tumour-suppressor genes towards cancer?
Loss of function mutation
Give an example of a tumour suppressor gene
TP53
Define loss of function
Generally refers to the tumour suppressor genes, where loss of function leads towards cancer development
Define gain of function
Generally referees to a situation where gain of function leads towards cancer development. For example, oncogenes.
What three key pathways are often found to be damaged in tumours?
- P53
- Rb
- RTK/Ras/PI3K
What is the role of the p53 pathway?
Genes within the pathway regulate responses to stress and DNA damage
What is the role of the Rb pathway?
Involved in initiation of the cell division cycle
What is the role of the RTK/Ras/PI3K pathway?
Transmits signals for cell growth and division from the outside of the cell into the cell
What type of gene is p53?
Tumour suppressor gene