6.6: Gene Expression and Cell Specialization Flashcards
What is the function of the promoter?
DNA sequences where RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to initiate transcription.
What is the function of transcription factors?
They bind to the promoter region and regulate gene transcription.
How do transcription factors affect the binding at the promoter?
Certain transcription factors are only able to bind to certain promoters, so thing helps with differential gene expression.
What is the function of RNA polymerase?
To transcribe the mRNA
How do negative regulatory molecule inhibit gene expression?
They block transcription when they attach to promoters so that transcription factors are not able to bind.
What is differential gene expression?
Only certain tissues have activator proteins that turn on regulatory genes.
How can differential gene expression affect the cellular functions?
Each tissue has a different function based on which genes are expressed.
What is siRNA?
Small RNA fragments. They are able to break down mRNA in the cytoplasm or block transcription.
What is miRNA?
Micro RNA degrades or prevents translation of mRNA
How do siRNA and miRNA affect gene expression?
They both inhibit gene expression, but siRNA inhibits transcription, while miRNA inhibits translation.
