Regulation of Gene Expression, Protein Folding, and Ribosome Function

Flashcards covering key concepts related to gene expression regulation, protein folding, posttranslational modifications, and the structure and function of ribosomes.

Translational Control

Regulation of gene expression that occurs after mRNA has been made, controlling when and where translation occurs and how much protein is made.

Riboswitch

Structured domains in untranslated regions of certain bacterial mRNAs that can bind metabolites to regulate gene expression.

Attenuation

A form of gene regulation that results in the reduction of full-length mRNA transcript produced from a gene.

MicroRNA (miRNA)

Small RNA molecules that inhibit translation and promote degradation of specific mRNAs.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression by destroying specific mRNA molecules.

Chaperones

Proteins that assist in the correct folding of other proteins after translation.

Posttranslational Modifications

Chemical modifications that proteins undergo after translation, crucial for their function.

N-acetylation

The enzymatic addition of an acetyl group to the amino terminal of proteins, common in eukaryotic proteins.

Signal Sequences

Amino acid sequences that direct proteins to their proper cellular destination and are removed by proteases upon arrival.

Ribosome (70S)

The bacterial ribosome composed of 30S and 50S subunits, responsible for protein synthesis.