Control of Gene Expression in Multicellular Organisms

Gene Expression

Process of converting DNA to functional products.

Cell Types

Different cells with identical DNA but varied functions.

mRNA Spectrum

Unique mRNA profiles identify specific cell types.

Gene Regulation

Control at various stages from DNA to protein.

Transcription Regulators

Proteins that control gene transcription rates.

Dimerization

Pairing of transcription regulators for enhanced binding.

Cooperative Binding

Multiple regulators bind DNA simultaneously, increasing affinity.

Nucleosome Structure

DNA wrapped around histones, affecting transcription regulation.

Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA)

Technique to detect protein-DNA binding interactions.

DNA Footprinting

Identifies DNA regions bound by proteins using digestion.

SDS-PAGE

Technique separating proteins by size after denaturation.

Western Blotting

Detection of specific proteins using antibodies.

Acetylation

Addition of acetyl groups, modifying histones for activation.

Repressors

Proteins that inhibit gene expression.

Activators

Proteins that enhance gene transcription.

Lac Operon

Gene cluster regulated by both activators and repressors.

Combinatorial Gene Control

Multiple regulators create diverse cell types.

DNA Methylation

Chemical modification affecting gene expression and inheritance.

Post-Transcriptional Control

Regulation of gene expression after mRNA synthesis.

Yeast Two-Hybrid System

Method to study protein-protein interactions.

Co-immunoprecipitation

Technique to isolate proteins interacting with a target.

Transcription Activators

Proteins that facilitate RNA polymerase assembly.

Synergistic Action

Cooperative function of multiple transcription factors.

Master Transcription Regulators

Key proteins determining cell identity and function.

Cell Memory

Mechanisms maintaining cell identity through generations.

Protein Purification Techniques

Methods to isolate proteins based on properties.

Affinity Chromatography

Technique using specific interactions to purify proteins.

Ion-Exchange Chromatography

Separation based on charge differences of proteins.

Size-Exclusion Chromatography

Separation based on protein size.