Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to the control of gene expression in eukaryotes.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, containing DNA and organelles.

Chromatin remodeling

The process of modifying the structure of chromatin to regulate gene expression.

Epigenetic control

Changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, often heritable.

Transcription factors

Proteins required for the initiation of transcription, binding to specific DNA sequences.

Histone modification

Chemical modifications to histone proteins that affect how tightly DNA is wound around them.

Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, often leading to reduced transcription.

RNA processing

The modifications made to RNA after transcription, including capping, polyadenylation, and splicing.

Alternative RNA splicing

A process by which different mRNAs are generated from the same pre-mRNA transcript.

miRNA

MicroRNA, a small RNA molecule that regulates mRNA stability and translation.

Poly-A tail

A stretch of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA, influencing mRNA stability.

Translational control

The regulation of the translation process to control protein synthesis.

Ubiquitin

A small protein that tags other proteins for degradation within the proteasome.

Basal transcription factors

General transcription factors that interact with the core promoter to initiate transcription.

Activators

Proteins that bind to enhancers to increase gene transcription.

Repressors

Proteins that bind to silencers to decrease gene transcription.

Gene clusters

Groups of co-regulated genes that are transcribed as a single unit.

Operon

A genomic organization found in prokaryotes that clusters genes under a single promoter.

Proteasome

A protein complex that degrades ubiquitinated proteins.