Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gene regulation, operons, and genetic mutations as discussed in the lecture.

Introns

Non-coding regions of DNA that are removed during RNA splicing.

Exons

Coding regions of DNA that remain in the RNA after splicing.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, including all of its genes.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism resulting from the expression of its genotype.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that determine distinct traits.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of converting the information in mRNA into a protein.

Operon

A unit of genetic function comprised of a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter.

Repressor

A protein that inhibits gene expression by binding to the operator or promoter region.

Inducible operon

An operon that is usually off but can be turned on (induced) in the presence of a specific substrate.

Repressible operon

An operon that is usually on but can be turned off (repressed) by a specific molecule.

Feedback inhibition

A regulatory mechanism in which a pathway's end product inhibits an earlier step in the process.

Allosteric protein

A protein that can change its shape and function in response to a binding event at a site other than its active site.

Co-repressor

A small molecule that cooperates with a repressor protein to switch an operon off.

Inducer

A molecule that initiates gene expression by disabling the repressor.

cAMP (cyclic AMP)

A signaling molecule that plays a role in the regulation of the lac operon in response to glucose levels.

Lac operon

An example of an inducible operon in E. coli that controls the breakdown of lactose.

TRP operon

An example of a repressible operon in E. coli that regulates tryptophan synthesis.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can lead to changes in protein produced.

Silent mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.