Topic 3: Genetic Regulation Flashcards
What is a gene?
a sequence of DNA that encodes a specific trait/product
What is the purpose of gene regulation in bacteria?
gene regulation maintains internal flexibility
turning genes on and off in response to the environment
What is the purpose of gene regulation in multicellular eukaryotic organisms?
turn genes on and off in response to the environment, for cell differentiation, for tissue coordination, developmental stage
How can gene expression be controlled at multiple levels?
before transcription: compact DNA, alternation of structure
post-transcription: relaxed DNA, transcription has occurred
translation: processed DNA, RNA stability, protein (inactive) is created
post translation: modified protein (active), posttranslational modification
What are structural genes?
encoding proteins
these are controlled by DNA binding proteins
produced by regulatory genes
What are regulatory genes?
encoding products that interact with other sequences and affect the transcription and translation of these sequences
bind to regulatory elements
What are regulatory elements?
DNA sequences that are not transcribed but play a role in regulating other nucleotide sequences
What are DNA-binding proteins?
DNA binding proteins can recognize information in the major and minor grooves of DNA
DNA binding proteins form H bonds with groups on the bases that are able to form H bonds
What are domains?
~60-90 amino acids
responsible for doing a specific job or forming a specific structure
TFs have a DNA binding domain
What is a motif?
within the binding domain
a simple structure that provides specificity
specific sequence of amino acid that requires the DNA sequence
What are the several types DNA binding proteins can be grouped into based on their domains?
helix-turn-helix
zinc fingers
leucine zipper
protein-nucleotide base interaction provides specificity
