Gene Regulation, Mutation, DNA Repair, & Cancer Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts on gene regulation, mutation, DNA repair, and cancer, aiding in exam preparation.

Spatial Regulation

Gene expression determined by the spatial context of cells in the body.

Temporal Regulation

Regulation of gene expression in response to developmental changes.

Conditional Regulation

Gene expression influenced by environmental factors or daily life conditions.

Polycistronic

Refers to mRNA that encodes multiple genes, commonly found in prokaryotes.

Monocistronic

Refers to mRNA that encodes a single gene, more common in eukaryotes.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate transcription levels.

Activator

A transcription factor that increases gene expression by promoting transcription.

Repressor

A transcription factor that decreases gene expression by inhibiting transcription.

Small Effector Molecules

Non-protein molecules that influence the activity of transcription factors.

Enhancer

A regulatory element that increases transcription rates from a distance.

Silencer

A regulatory element that decreases transcription rates.

Chromatin Remodeling

The process of modifying chromatin structure to increase transcription.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA that typically decreases transcription.

Cancer

A group of diseases caused by mutations leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can be heritable if it occurs in germ cells.

Thymine Dimer

A covalent bond formed between two adjacent thymine bases, typically caused by UV radiation.

Proto-oncogene

A normal gene involved in cell growth that can become an oncogene when mutated.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

A gene that protects a cell from undergoing uncontrolled division.

Termination of Transcription

The process where RNA polymerase stops RNA synthesis at a termination signal.

Operon

A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, common in prokaryotes.

General Transcription Factors

Proteins essential for the transcription of all protein-coding genes.

Specific Transcription Factors

Proteins that regulate transcription of specific subsets of genes.