Wright Lecture 9: Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes

Question 1

RNA polymerase I

Answer 1

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes

Question 2

RNA polymerase II

Answer 2

mRNA genes that code for polypeptides

Question 3

RMA polymerase III

Answer 3

small RNAs: tRNA and 5sRNA genes

Question 4

Pol II promoter

Answer 4

TATA box

General transcription factors

Question 5

Regulation of gene transcription by hormone receptors

Answer 5

Allosteric proteins that undergo conformational transition following binding of a ligand (steroid hormone)
Enter nucleus from cytoplasm and steroid-receptor complex binds to DNA and activates transcription: mRNA being made at higher rate
Translation produces proteins related to hormone function

Question 6

Sites of gene regulation of eukaryotic cells (8)

Answer 6

1. Transcription initiation
2. Processing of RNA
3. mRNA transport
4. mRNA storage
5. mRNA degradation
6. Translation
7. Protein modification
8. Protein degradation

Question 7

RNA processing

Answer 7

1. Alternate splicing of exons
2. Multiple 3’ cleavage sites
3. 5’ cap and poly(A) tail

Question 8

Metabolic pathways and gene regulation

Answer 8

Signalling to each other:
Signalling from genetic information through enzymes being made, signalling from precursors of catabolic or anabolic pathways that interact with genetic interface, external factors