Gene Regulation (w5) Flashcards
What is gene expression ?
Cellular function
What is a benefit of turning on the genes only when they are required ?
It is more energy efficient
Define gene expression …
Processes that control the turning on or turning off of a gene.
Define Epigenetic …
Heritable changes that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence.
Everything starts with a …. In cell biology
SIGNAL
Define post-transcriptional …
The control of gene expression after the RNA molecule has been created but before it is translated into a protein.
What is the epigenetic mechanism ?
A mechanism that selectively activates or silences genes without modifying their DNA sequence.
Chemical modification of chromosomes;
Via histones ;
- acetylation
- de-acetylation
-methylation
Via DNA ;
- Methylation
Define Post-translational …
The control of gene expression after a protein has been created.
What are the three stages of gene regulation ?
1) Transcriptional
2) Post-transcriptional
3) Translational
What is DNA methylation ?
When a methyl group (epigenetic factor found in dome dietary sources) can take DNA and either activate or repress a gene.
What are epigenetic mechanisms affected by?
- development (in Utero, childhood)
- environmental chemicals
- drugs/pharmaceuticals
- ageing
- diet
What are histones ?
Proteins around which DNA can wind for compaction and gene relegation.
What is histone modification ?
The binding of epigenetic factors to histone ‘tails’ alters the extent to which DNA is wrapped around his tones and the availability of genes in the DNA to be activated.
List 4 health endpoints ;
- cancer
- autoimmune disease
- mental disorders
- diabetes
