Transcriptional control

Question 1

What is differential gene expression?

Answer 1

The genome is effectively identical in every cell however the genome must be differentially interpreted at different times.

Question 2

How many genes are in the human genome and how many are actually expressed?

Answer 2

50,000 genes in the human genome, only 10,000 are expressed.

REMINDER: intergenic region interspersed between genes makes up 98% and has an unknown function

Question 3

What is a Kozak sequence?

Answer 3

A sequence which indicates to the ribosome that is the first AUG to begin transcription on

Question 4

Why is it important to control gene expression?

Answer 4

Proteins are grouped to perform different functions for example metabolism, cell shape/ motility, cell differentiation (e.g actin proteins involved in cell migration) and cell migration. Failure in the correct mechanism can result in disorders for example failure in control of gene expression of metabolism = metabolic disorders, cell shape/motility = metastasis, cell differentiation = congenital disorders and cell proliferation = cancers