Chapter 14- Gene regulation eukaryotic expression

Flow of genetic information

The sequence from DNA to RNA to Protein.

Transcription

The process where DNA is transcribed into mRNA.

Translation

The process where mRNA is translated into a polypeptide.

Specialized RNA

RNA molecules that perform functions without being translated into proteins, such as tRNA and rRNA.

Differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

Genetic Equivalence

All somatic cells in an organism have the same DNA.

Gene expression control levels

Regulation occurs at chromatin structure, transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation.

Epigenetics

Heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence.

Histone modifications

Chemical modifications to histone proteins that affect chromatin structure and gene expression.

Acetylation

A modification that loosens chromatin and activates gene expression.

Methylation

Modification that can either activate or repress gene expression depending on context.

Transcription factors

Proteins that influence the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Mediator complex

A protein complex that helps to integrate signals from transcription factors to control gene expression.

RNA stability

The regulation of RNA lifespan and degradation, which affects gene expression.

Post-translational modification

Changes made to a protein after it has been synthesized that affect its function.

Ubiquitination

A process that tags proteins for degradation by the proteasome.