Eukaryotic Genes: The Human Lactase (LCT) Gene

A set of vocabulary flashcards related to the lactase gene and its role in digestion, gene regulation, and human evolution.

Lactase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose.

LCT Gene

The gene that encodes for the lactase enzyme, found on chromosome 2 in humans.

Eukaryotic Genes

Genes that are present in eukaryotes, which are organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process that splits molecules by the addition of water.

Pre-mRNA

The initial RNA transcript that is modified to become mature mRNA.

Introns

Non-coding sequences in a gene that are removed during RNA processing.

Exons

Coding sequences in a gene that are retained after RNA processing.

Trans-membrane Domain

A region of a protein that spans the entire lipid bilayer of a membrane.

Signal Recognition Complex

A protein complex that helps direct the ribosome to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Spatial Gene Expression

The expression of a gene in specific tissues or cells within an organism.

Temporal Gene Expression

The expression of a gene at certain stages of an organism's development.

Lactose Intolerance

The inability to digest lactose due to insufficient lactase enzyme production.

Lactase Persistence

The continued production of lactase into adulthood, allowing for lactose digestion.

Gene Regulation

The process by which cells control the expression of genes.

Positive Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to activate gene transcription.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism.

Evolution of Lactase

The genetic mutations that led to variations in lactase production among human populations.