Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes (Session 31)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes and genetic concepts presented in the lecture.

Drosophila

A genus of small fruit flies, commonly used in genetic research.

mtu gene

A gene in Drosophila studied for its role in determining phenotypes, particularly related to embryonic development and wing morphology.

Null phenotype

The expected phenotype when a gene is not functional or absent.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Epigenetic change

Changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of a eukaryotic chromosome, consisting of a segment of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins.

Euchromatin

Less condensed form of chromatin, associated with active gene transcription.

Heterochromatin

Tightly packed form of DNA which is not actively transcribed.

Alternative splicing

A process by which different combinations of exons are joined together, resulting in multiple protein variants from a single gene.

MicroRNA

Small non-coding RNA molecule involved in regulating gene expression by binding to mRNA.

Post-transcriptional regulation

Control of gene expression at the RNA level, affecting mRNA stability and translation.

Western blot

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample through gel electrophoresis and antibody binding.

Post-translational modification

Chemical changes to a protein after its translation that can affect its activity, stability, and localization.

Genes

Units of heredity made up of DNA, responsible for the traits and functions of living organisms.

Ubiquitin

A small protein that tags other proteins for degradation by the proteosome.

Proteosome

A protein complex that degrades unneeded or damaged proteins by proteolysis.

SDS-PAGE

A type of gel electrophoresis used to separate proteins based on their electrophoretic mobility (size).

Southern blot

A method used to detect specific DNA sequences in DNA samples.