Gene Expression and Regulation

Gene Expression

The process by which a gene is used to make a functional product, often a protein.

Transcription

The process of copying a gene's DNA sequence to produce mRNA.

Translation

The process of converting the mRNA sequence into a polypeptide chain, which folds into a protein.

Gene Regulation

The control of the timing and amount of gene expression, determining whether a gene is expressed or not.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that help regulate the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Operon

A cluster of functionally related genes under the control of a single promoter, commonly found in prokaryotic cells.

Lac Operon

A well-studied operon that regulates the expression of genes involved in lactose metabolism in bacteria.

Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2 (eIF-2)

A protein that assists in the initiation of translation in eukaryotic cells.

Introns

Non-coding segments of RNA that are removed during mRNA processing.

Exons

Coding segments of RNA that remain after introns are removed and are expressed.

Methylation

A chemical modification of DNA that can affect gene expression by altering DNA packaging.

Post-Transcriptional Regulation

Regulation that occurs after transcription but before translation, including mRNA processing.

Post-Translation Regulation

Regulation that occurs after translation, which may affect the function and location of proteins.

Ubiquitin

A small protein that tags other proteins for degradation.

Environmental Factors

External conditions that can influence gene expression and regulation.

Cancer Cells

Cells that have mutations leading to dysregulated gene expression, potentially contributing to uncontrolled growth.