2024 AP Bio_Gene Regulation Eukaryotic

AP Bio Unit 6 Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

Gene Regulation

The process by which cells control the expression of genes, influencing how genes are turned on or off.

Eukaryotic Genome

The complete set of genetic material in eukaryotic organisms, which is larger and more complex than that of prokaryotes.

Histone Proteins

Proteins around which DNA is wound, playing a crucial role in DNA packaging and gene regulation.

Epigenetic Regulation

Changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, often influenced by environmental factors.

Methylation

A chemical modification of DNA that can make genes inaccessible and inactive.

Acetylation

A chemical modification of histone proteins that makes DNA accessible and genes active.

Transcription Factors

Regulatory proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to control the transcription of genetic information.

TATA Box

A conserved DNA sequence found in the promoter region of eukaryotic genes, essential for the initiation of transcription.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template, with different types (I, II, III) interacting with different genes.

Activators

Proteins that enhance the transcription of specific genes by binding to enhancer regions of DNA.

Repressors

Proteins that inhibit gene transcription by binding to silencer regions or blocking transcription factors.

Chromatin Accessibility

The degree to which DNA is coiled and compacted, affecting the ability of transcription factors to access genes.

RNA Processing

Modifications made to RNA after transcription, including splicing, capping, and the addition of a poly-A tail.

RNA Interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which small RNA molecules (siRNAs and miRNAs) regulate gene expression by degrading mRNA or blocking translation.

Homeotic Genes

Genes that control the development of body segments and structures in organisms, crucial for proper body plan formation.

Hox Genes

A specific type of homeotic gene that determines the body segmentation and organization in animals, containing a highly conserved homeobox.

Homeobox

A DNA sequence within homeotic genes that encodes a transcription factor with a DNA-binding domain, important for regulating developmental processes.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function, influenced by gene expression patterns.

Gene Expression Variation

Differences in gene expression that lead to diverse cellular responses and functions, even among genetically identical cells.