Gene Regulation

Question 1

Front: Why is gene regulation important?

Answer 1

Back: Gene regulation ensures that genes are expressed at the right time, in the right cell, and in the correct amount, allowing cells to respond to environmental changes and maintain homeostasis

Question 2

Front: What is a promoter?

Answer 2

Back: A promoter is a DNA sequence located upstream of a gene that acts as a binding site for RNA polymerase and transcription factors to initiate transcription

Question 3

Front: What is a transcription factor?

Answer 3

Back: A transcription factor is a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes, either by activating or repressing gene expression

Question 4

Front: What is the difference between general and promoter-specific transcription factors?

Answer 4

Back:

General transcription factors are required for the transcription of all genes, assembling at the core promoter to help recruit RNA polymerase.
Promoter-specific transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate individual genes or groups of genes in response to signals.

Question 5

Front: Why are transcription factors considered drug targets?

Answer 5

Back: Transcription factors are drug targets because they regulate genes involved in diseases like cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Modulating their activity can alter disease-related gene expression.

Question 6

Front: What are the levels of gene expression regulation in eukaryotic cells?

Answer 6

Back: Gene expression regulation occurs at multiple levels:

Transcriptional regulation (e.g., transcription factors, chromatin structure).
Post-transcriptional regulation (e.g., splicing, mRNA stability).
Translational regulation (e.g., ribosome activity).
Post-translational regulation (e.g., protein modifications, degradation).

Question 7

Front: What mechanisms regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level in eukaryotic cells?

Answer 7

Back: Transcriptional regulation mechanisms include:

Chromatin remodelling (e.g., histone modifications).
DNA methylation.
Binding of general and promoter-specific transcription factors.
Interaction with enhancers and silencers.