Regulation of Gene Expression

Transcriptional regulation

Control of gene expression at the transcription stage

Post-transcriptional regulation

Control of gene expression after transcription

Regulation of RNA processing

Control of RNA modifications such as splicing

Regulation of RNA stability

Control of how long RNA molecules survive

Translational regulation

Control of protein synthesis from mRNA

Post translational modification

Chemical modification of proteins after translation

Regulation of protein stability

Control of protein lifespan and degradation

Operon

Group of bacterial genes regulated together under one promoter

Polycistronic

Single mRNA encoding multiple proteins

trp operon

Bacterial operon controlling tryptophan synthesis genes

Operator

DNA sequence where repressors bind to regulate transcription

trp Repressor

Protein that blocks transcription of the trp operon when tryptophan is abundant

Ferritin

Protein that stores iron in cells

Iron Regulatory Proteins (IRP)

Proteins that regulate iron metabolism by binding RNA

Iron Response elements (IREs)

RNA sequences that bind IRPs to regulate translation or mRNA stability.