Unit 6: Topic 6 - Gene Expression and Cell Specialization Flashcards
The expression of the gene increases and more protein will be created since transcription factors make it easier for RNA polymerase to bind and initiate transcription.
What is a promoter?
Promoters are areas on a DNA sequence in which RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to in order to initiate transcription
What would happen if a molecule blocked transcription factors from binding to DNA?
Transcription would not happen since the transcription factor could no longer bind. This means that the protein the DNA codes for would not be created. This process is called negative regulation.
Why can cells with the same genes be vastly different?
Cells with the same genes can be vastly different because of differences in gene regulation. This is because cell regulation selectively activates and deactivates certain genes. For example, all human cells have the same set of genes, but because of gene regulation, a neuron has a vastly different shape and function than a muscle cell.
What does gene regulation result in?
Gene regulation results in differential gene expression and influences gene expression and product. Gene regulation does this by controlling which genes are repressed and which genes are exppressed and how much they are expressed. For example, gene regulation can cause cells to activate insulin producing genes when blood sugar is too high.
What are small RNAs and what do they do?
Small RNAs are small RNA molecules that have a role in regulating gene expression by binding to and often silencing parts of mRNA molecules.
