Genetics Of Living Systems 2 Flashcards
Transcription factors
Proteins that bind to dna at specific sites
This way they regulate transcription turn genes on and off
Homeobox genes
Encode transcription factors
Contain a homeobox
Control the growth and development of organisms
Switch on head develop genes thorax genes etc in foetus
Homeobox
Section of DNA 180 base pairs
Codes for a region of transcription factor called the homeodomain (60AA)
Homeodomain
Allows transcription factor bind to dna
Homeobox genes common ancestors
Homeobox genes in mice and humans have identical nucleotide sequences
Eg Pax6 eye development if genes not turned on blindness
Body plans
Morphogenisis
Regulation of the pattern of anatomical development
Evolution effect on Homeobox genes
Homeobox sequence is highly conserved has changed very little during evolution
Naturally selected against
Discovery and fruit flies
Studied flies w mutations legs on head
Mutations found in genes in a section of dna 180bp in length similar for all flies except mutated
Homeodomain function
Allows transcription factor to bind to dna
Conserved region of protein
When mutate certain genes weren’t turned on or off result in defects
Hox genes
Group of Homeobox genes only present in animals
Correct positioning from head to tail
Vertebrates development
Develop from segments in embryo called somites
Directed by hox genes to develop particular way depending on sequence
Human development
humans have 39 hox genes organised into 4 clusters each on different chromosomes - expressed in different body segments
Order of genes
= order in which effects are expressed in the organism
Sequence / gene structure
Promoter - trans start site - 5’ untranslated region - start codon - coding region- stop codon - 3’ untranslated region
Stages of gene expression control
Transcriptional
Post transcriptional level
Translation level
Post translational level