Eukaryote Genes: Structure – Chapter 07

These flashcards cover the key concepts regarding eukaryote gene structure and regulation as discussed in the lecture.

Eukaryote protein coding gene

More complex genes that contain intron sequences and require multiple levels of transcriptional regulation for expression.

Intron

Non-coding sequences within a primary transcript that are spliced out during mRNA processing.

Exon

Coding sequences that are retained and joined together after intron removal to form mature mRNA.

Alternative splicing

A process where primary transcripts can be spliced in different ways to produce multiple types of mature mRNA from a single gene.

5’ cap

A modified guanosine nucleotide added to the 5’ end of mRNA that protects the mRNA and helps in ribosome binding.

Poly(A) tail

A long stretch of adenine nucleotides added to the 3’ end of mRNA, aiding in stability and export from the nucleus.

Enhancer element

A distal regulatory sequence that increases the likelihood of transcription by interacting with transcription factors.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Chromatin dynamics

Changes in chromatin structure that affect transcriptional regulation by influencing the accessibility of DNA.

Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA bases, particularly at CpG sites, often associated with transcriptional repression.

Cis-element

Intramolecular elements within the same DNA molecule involved in regulating gene expression.

Trans-element

Intermolecular elements, such as proteins or RNA, that influence the expression of target DNA from a different molecule.

VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeats)

A form of tandem repeat including microsatellites and minisatellites, characterized by varying lengths of repeated sequences.

SINEs (Short Interspersed Elements)

Short segments of DNA that are interspersed throughout the genome and can play roles in gene regulation.

LINEs (Long Interspersed Elements)

Longer segments of interspersed DNA that can replicate themselves within the genome.