FUck Bio

Inducible Genes

Genes that are usually off but can be turned on, such as the lac operon.

Repressible Genes

Genes that are usually on but can be turned off, such as the trp operon.

Constitutive Genes

Genes that are always on, regardless of external factors; responsible for basic cell functions.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate gene expression by binding to DNA and influencing transcription.

Lac Operon

A model for gene regulation in bacteria that controls the breakdown of lactose.

Trp Operon

A repressible operon that is turned off when tryptophan is abundant.

Feedback Inhibition

A rapid process that temporarily inhibits enzyme activity, providing immediate regulation.

Histone Acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histones, which opens chromatin for transcription.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, usually repressing gene expression.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression without changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Euchromatin

Loosely packed chromatin that is transcriptionally active.

Heterochromatin

Tightly packed chromatin that is generally inactive in transcription.

Barr Body

The inactive X chromosome in female mammals that undergoes X-inactivation.

Alternative Splicing

A process that allows for the production of multiple proteins from a single gene by combining different exons.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify DNA by repeating cycles of denaturation, annealing, and elongation.

Genomics

The study of the entire genome of an organism.

Transcriptomics

The study of RNA expression patterns within a cell.

Proteomics

The study that focuses on the structure and function of proteins.

Transposons

Mobile genetic elements that can disrupt genes and are used to study their functions.

Orthologous Genes

Genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestor.

Paralogous Genes

Genes within the same species that arose through gene duplication.

SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)

Variations of a single DNA base that can aid in studying genetic diseases.

Natural Selection

The process by which populations change over time due to environmental pressures.

Theory vs. Hypothesis

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction.

Gene Pool

The total genetic diversity found within a population.

Stabilizing Selection

Selection that favors the average phenotype, reducing variation.

Directional Selection

Selection that shifts the population toward one extreme phenotype.

Disruptive Selection

Selection that increases variation and can lead to two distinct phenotypes.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, more impactful in small populations.

Bottleneck Effect

A sharp reduction in population size that can lead to reduced genetic diversity.

Founder Effect

Genetic drift that occurs when a small group from a population establishes a new population.

Sexual Selection

A form of selection where traits improving mating success are favored.