Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts regarding the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically proteins.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, unlike prokaryotes.

Regulation of gene expression

Controlling the timing and amount of gene expression to ensure proper cellular function.

Repressible operon

An operon that is usually active and turned off when the product is abundant.

Inducible operon

An operon that is usually inactive and turned on by a chemical signal.

Activator proteins

Proteins that increase gene transcription by binding to an enhancer or promoter.

Repressor proteins

Proteins that inhibit gene transcription by binding to a silencer or operator.

Alternative splicing

A process that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by including or excluding certain exons.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and protein in eukaryotic cells that helps compact the DNA and regulates gene expression.

DNA methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, often involved in the regulation of gene expression.

Histone acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histone proteins, reducing their affinity for DNA and promoting transcription.

Transcriptional start site

The location on DNA where transcription begins, determined by the core promoter.

Silencers

Regulatory elements that decrease the transcription rate of a gene.

Enhancers

Regulatory sequences that increase the likelihood of transcription of a gene.

Pre-mRNA

The initial transcript from a gene that includes both introns and exons before processing.

Proteasome

A protein complex that degrades unneeded or damaged proteins marked for destruction.

Ubiquitin

A small protein that tags other proteins for degradation by the proteasome.

mRNA degradation

The process by which mRNA molecules are broken down, affecting protein synthesis.

Translational regulation

Regulation of gene expression at the level of mRNA translation into protein.

Core promoter

The minimal region required for transcription initiation, typically includes the TATA box.

Combinatorial control

The process by which multiple regulatory proteins control the expression of a gene.