Gene Organisation and Transcription 1

Question 1

Define housekeeping gene

Answer 1

genes expressed in every cell, needed for normal cell function and viability

Question 2

Define antisense strand

Answer 2

transcribed DNA strand (opposite of RNA produced)

Question 3

Function of transcription factors

Answer 3

proteins that assist and regulate transcription by binding to DNA

Question 4

Function of RNA polymerase 1

Answer 4

transcribes rRNA genes

Question 5

Function of RNA polymerase 2

Answer 5

transcribes genes encoding proteins into mRNA

Question 6

Function of RNA polymerase 3

Answer 6

transcribes tRNA and 5S RNA genes

Question 7

Define gene promoter

Answer 7

DNA sequence at which ignition complex assembles

Question 8

Name the 3 stages of transcription

Answer 8

initiation, elongation, termination

Question 9

Describe initiation

Answer 9

RNA polymerase binds to gene promoter sequence and separates the strands, exposing template

Question 10

Describe elongation

Answer 10

RNA polymerase reads template strand and builds RNA molecule from free nucleotides in 5’ to 3’ direction

Question 11

Describe termination

Answer 11

terminator DNA sequence signals that transcription is complete and once transcribed releases the RNA molecule from the RNA polymerase

Question 12

What causes gene expression?

Answer 12

hyperacetylation

Question 13

What causes gene repression?

Answer 13

hypoacetylation

Question 14

What factors determine transcription factor expression?

Answer 14

cell lineage, external signals to cell (hormones, stress), mutated TF, cancer