Molecular Regulation

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from the lecture on molecular regulation.

Molecular regulation

The way cells control their internal processes to maintain balance and respond to changes.

Transcription factors

Specialized proteins that act as gene switches, binding to specific DNA sequences to turn genes on or off.

Transcription activators

Proteins that increase gene transcription by recruiting RNA polymerase to the gene's promoter.

Transcription repressors

Proteins that reduce or stop gene transcription through mechanisms like competitive binding and silencing.

Gene regulation

The control of gene expression levels, often involving multiple activators and repressors acting together.

Alternative sigma factors

Proteins that help RNA polymerase quickly change which genes are expressed in response to environmental changes.

Anti-sigma factors

Inhibitory proteins that keep alternative sigma factors inactive until needed by the cell.

Riboregulation

RNA-based regulation that allows cells to respond quickly at the RNA level, without waiting for protein synthesis.

Riboswitches

Sections of mRNA that can fold into structures to regulate their own expression based on metabolite concentration.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A mechanism in eukaryotic cells where small non-coding RNAs silence specific genes by targeting their mRNA.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)

RNA molecules that regulate gene activity without coding for proteins, often assisting in chromatin modification.

Antisense RNA

Small RNA molecules complementary to specific mRNA, preventing translation by forming double-stranded regions.

CRISPR-Cas systems

Adaptive immune defense in bacteria that uses small CRISPR RNAs to recognize and destroy viral DNA.

Second messengers

Small molecules or ions that transmit signals from surface receptors to intracellular targets.

Clocks in molecular regulation

Internal timing systems that help cells track time and respond to regular environmental cycles.

Molecular thermometers

RNA structures or proteins that change shape with temperature changes, allowing temperature sensing.

Molecular switches

Mechanisms that allow cells to switch between two stable states for decision-making in processes like division.