Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

More complex than in prokaryotes, involving many proteins and regulatory elements.

Enhancers

Distant DNA regions that loop back to interact with the promoter.

Regulatory proteins

Proteins that control transcription by binding to DNA or to each other.

TATA Box

A common regulatory element in the promoter of most eukaryotic genes with a TATAAA core sequence.

Function of the TATA Box

Binds multiple regulatory proteins, forming a complex recognized by RNA polymerase, initiating transcription.

Homeobox genes (hox genes)

Regulatory genes that control the activation of developmental genes.

Mutations in hox genes

Can lead to major developmental defects, such as incorrect body part development in organisms.

Tumor-suppressor genes

Genes that normally inhibit cell division; mutations cause uncontrolled growth.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that normally stimulate cell division; mutations can convert them into oncogenes, causing excessive division.

Cancer

Occurs when mutations disrupt regulatory genes controlling the cell cycle, leading to rapid and uncontrolled cell growth.

Importance of gene regulation during development

Essential for proper organ and body formation.

Key outcome of mutations in regulatory genes

Can lead to cancer due to disruption of normal gene function.