Eukaryotic Gene Expression (Lect 10+)

Question 1

7 Steps of Control:

Eukaryotic Gene Expression & Protein Activity

Answer 1

0. Genomic Control: regulatory changes in makeup or structural organization of DNA
   a) Gene amplification (rare)
   b) DNA methylation
   c) Histone modifications => chromosome condensation/decondensation => opens chromatin to be transcribed
1. Transcription Control: rate at which RNA polymerase transcribes DNA; controlled by transcription factors
2. RNA processing Control: splicing, capping, polyadenylation, & other modification to primary transcript
3. RNA transport Control: control of net rate at which mRNA leaves nucleus for cytoplasm
4. Translational Control: control of initiation of translation by initiation factors and repressor (e.g. microRNAs)
5. mRNA Degradation Control: control rate at which mRNA degrades (i.e., half-life of mRNA)
6. Protein Activity Control: Selective covalent or conformational changes to proteins that affect protein activity and rate of protein degradation

Question 2

Rate of initiation

Answer 2

can control how often ribosomes attach and start
translation.

Question 3

Rate of degradation

Answer 3

can control half life of mRNA.