Cell differentiation & gene expression Flashcards
What is the definition of cell differentiation? [1 mark]
The production of different cell types within an organisation
What is the definition of cell lineage? [1 mark]
The series of cell types from the zygote to a certain cell type.
What is a somite cell? [1 mark]
Segments of a cell type in an embryo
What is modulation? [2 marks]
- A simple reversibl change in gene expression.
- It doesn’t change the cell type.
What is an example of modulation? [1 mark]
- Upregulation of alcohol dehydrogenase in liver cells.
What is the program of differentiation and how is it controlled? [1 mark]
- The set of expressed genes in the given cell type.
- Controlled at transcription.
What is a transcription factor? [1 mark]
A regulator of transcription
What is a promoter? [2 marks]
- Regulates transcription by recruiting transcription factors.
- located at the 5’ end.
What are the two types of transcription factors? [2 marks]
- Regulatory = specific genes
- Basal = all genes
What are household genes? [1 mark]
Genes transcribed in almost all cell types.
What does methylation of genes do? [2 marks]
- Increase folding
- Silences transcription
Where does methylation of genes occur? [1 mark]
On a cytosine phosphate guanine pair
What do master gene regulators do? [2 marks]
- Transcription factor
- Regulates transcription of whole sets of lineage specific genes (programs)
Do master gene regulators activate all genes? [1 mark]
NO
What is a differentiation program? [1 mark]
A set of luxury genes expressed in a cell type
