Regulation of Transcription - Part 1 Prokaryotes

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to the regulation of transcription in prokaryotes, including mechanisms of gene expression regulation and specific operons.

Regulation of Gene Expression

The processes by which a cell controls the production of proteins or RNA from genes.

Down regulation

The decrease in gene expression or the production of a gene product.

Up regulation

The increase in gene expression or the production of a gene product.

Repressor Protein

A protein that binds to a specific site on DNA to prevent transcription.

Activator Protein

A protein that binds to DNA and increases the transcription of a gene.

Negative Regulation

A mechanism that decreases gene expression, often via repressor proteins.

Positive Regulation

A mechanism that increases gene expression, often via activator proteins.

Allosteric Regulation

Regulation of protein activity through conformational changes induced by ligand binding.

Repressible System

A system where the default state is ON, and gene expression is repressed in the presence of a specific molecule.

Inducible System

A system where the default state is OFF, and gene expression is activated in the presence of a specific molecule.

Lac Operon

An example of an inducible operon involved in the metabolism of lactose in E. coli.

Trp Operon

An example of a repressible operon involved in the biosynthesis of tryptophan in E. coli.