Regulation of Gene Expression and Protein Activity in Bacteria

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focused on the regulation of gene expression, protein activity, and related biological processes in bacteria.

DNA Replication

The process by which DNA is copied to make new cells, ensuring DNA remains intact.

Transcription

The process of turning DNA into mRNA to provide instructions for enzyme and structural protein production.

Translation

The decoding of RNA to form enzymes and structural proteins, involving the assembly of amino acids based on RNA sequences.

Sigma Factors

Proteins that direct RNA polymerase to a promoter during transcription.

Rho-dependent Termination

A process where Rho protein follows RNA polymerase and removes it from DNA upon reaching a termination sequence.

Rho-independent Termination

A process where an RNA hairpin loop forms, causing RNA polymerase to dissociate from DNA.

Poly Cistronic mRNA

Bacterial mRNA that can code for multiple proteins due to multiple Shine-Dalgarno sequences.

Constitutive Genes

Genes that are always expressed and necessary for basic cellular functions.

Inducible Genes

Genes that are expressed only under certain conditions or at specific times.

Allosteric Regulation

Regulation of protein activity through the binding of effector molecules at sites other than the active site.

Operon

A transcriptional unit containing a series of structural genes and their regulatory elements.

Positive Control

A regulatory mechanism where an allosteric protein activates mRNA synthesis.

Negative Control

A regulatory mechanism where an allosteric protein prevents mRNA synthesis.

Lac Operon

A model for gene regulation in bacteria that involves both negative and positive control of lactose metabolism.

Quorum Sensing

A chemical signaling system used by microbes to communicate and regulate gene expression based on population density.

AHL (N-acyl-homoserine lactone)

A signaling molecule in quorum sensing that regulates gene expression in response to cell density.

Two-component Regulatory Systems

Systems that utilize a sensor and a response regulator to alter gene expression in response to environmental signals.

Chemotaxis

The movement of an organism in response to a chemical stimulus, allowing cells to navigate their environment.

SOS Response

A regulatory system in bacteria that induces DNA repair mechanisms in response to DNA damage.

Alternative Sigma Factors

Proteins in bacteria that enable RNA polymerase to recognize different promoters for transcription based on environmental conditions.