Regulation of Gene Expression

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the regulation of gene expression, including definitions and explanations of processes involved in gene expression and its regulation.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically a protein.

Transcription Factors

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

Epigenetic Modifications

Chemical modifications that alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Alternative Splicing

A process that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by including or excluding certain sequences.

Open Reading Frame (ORF)

A sequence of DNA that is read and translated to produce a protein.

Positive Transcription Factor

A protein that increases the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

Negative Transcription Factor

A protein that decreases the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, a single-stranded RNA molecule that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

Lactase

An enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose in the intestine.

Histone Modification

The process of adding or removing chemical groups to histone proteins to regulate gene expression.

Differential Gene Expression

The process by which cells with the same genome express different genes leading to diverse cell types.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.