Gene Expression and Epigenetics

Question 1

Promotor

Answer 1

Start site on DNA for RNA polymerase.

Question 2

Alpha Phosphate

Answer 2

The phosphate closest to the ribose sugar.

Question 3

PolyA Site

Answer 3

Where the process of termination of transcription is actiivated.

Question 4

Constituitive

Answer 4

Gene expression is constant.

Question 5

Enzyme Repression

Answer 5

Turns off transcription.

Question 6

Enzyme Induction

Answer 6

The process by which the rate of synthesis of an enzyme is increased. Induces the expression of an enzyme.

Question 7

Epigenetics

Answer 7

Phenomenon that allows genes to take on different phenotypes without change to the genetic code.

Question 8

Transcription Factor

Answer 8

A protein that binds to a DNA sequence controlling the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Question 9

Transcription Coactivator

Answer 9

A type of transcriptional coregulator that binds to an activator (a transcription factor) to increase the rate of transcription of a gene or set of genes. Binding of the activator-coactivator complex increases the speed of transcription by recruiting general transcription machinery to the promoter, therefore increasing gene expression. The use of activators and coactivators allows for highly specific expression of certain genes depending on cell type and developmental stage.

Question 10

DNA Methylation

Answer 10

A biological process by which methyl groups are added to the DNA molecule. Methylation can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing the sequence. When located in a gene promoter, DNA methylation typically acts to repress gene transcription.