Control Mechanism Flashcards
(11 cards)
How many genes code for proteins in humans?
Over 42,000 genes
This number indicates the complexity and variety of proteins that can be produced in the human body.
What are housekeeping genes?
Genes that must always be turned on
These genes are essential for basic cellular functions.
What role do transcription factors play?
They turn genes on or off as required
Transcription factors are proteins that help regulate the transcription of DNA to mRNA.
At how many different levels can gene regulation occur?
Four levels
The four levels include transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational regulation.
What is transcriptional regulation?
Control which genes are transcribed or the rate of transcription
This involves the process of converting DNA to mRNA.
What are epigenetics?
Factors that affect gene expression, e.g., histone proteins
Epigenetic modifications can make genes more or less accessible for transcription.
What is post-transcriptional regulation?
Modification of mRNA before it leaves the nucleus
This includes processes like splicing, where introns are removed from the mRNA.
What controls the rate of translation?
The activation of mRNA or enzymes that destroy mRNA
Translation occurs at the ribosome, where mRNA is translated into proteins.
What is post-translational regulation?
Modification of proteins before they become functional
This can include processes like phosphorylation, glycosylation, and other modifications.
Fill in the blank: Transcriptional regulation controls _______ or the rate of transcription.
which genes are transcribed
This is a critical control point in gene expression.
True or False: All genes in the human genome are transcribed at the same rate.
False
Different genes are expressed at different levels depending on the cell type and conditions.
