Gene Structure and Regulation

Question 1

Regulatory genes

Answer 1

involved in controlling the expression of other genes. Switching on and off genes

Question 2

Structural genes

Answer 2

code for a protein that is involved in everyday cellular metabolism. Produces enzymes and proteins

Question 3

Transcription factor

Answer 3

anything that regulates gene transcription. i.e repressor, activator

Question 4

Promoter

Answer 4

where RNA polymerase and other transcription factors bind

Question 5

Operator

Answer 5

controls transcription of operon/regulates gene expression

Question 6

Enhancer and Silencer

Answer 6

responsible for increasing or decreasing the rate of transcription.

Question 7

Insulator

Answer 7

stops the RNA polymerase from continuing down the DNA strand to the next gene. Forces it to transcribe each gene separately

Question 8

Lac Operon

Answer 8

Lac = digestion of lactose 
Operon = group of linked genes that regulate protein synthesis

Question 9

Process of Lac Operon

Answer 9

1. Lactose binds to repressor on operator
2. repressor is removed from operator
3. RNA polymerase activates promoter
4. transcription of 3 pieces of protein, mRNA occurs
5. proteins are made via translation