BIO 181 – General Biology I Lecture 16: Gene Regulation

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts related to gene regulation as discussed in the lecture.

Gene expression

The process in which a gene product is actively synthesized and used in a cell.

Transcriptional control

A method of regulating gene expression that is slow but efficient.

Translational control

Allows a cell to quickly change which proteins are produced.

Post-translational control

Provides the most rapid response in gene regulation but is energetically expensive.

Differential gene expression

The process in multicellular eukaryotes that creates different cell types and coordinates their activity.

House-keeping genes

Genes that are constitutively transcribed, meaning they are always expressed.

Operon

A cluster of genes with similar functions grouped together and regulated by a common promoter.

Polycistronic mRNA

mRNA that carries information for several genes, leading to the production of multiple proteins.

Proximal and distal control elements

Segments of noncoding DNA in eukaryotes that regulate transcription.

Negative control

A gene regulation mechanism where a regulatory protein binds DNA to shut down transcription.

Positive control

A mechanism of gene regulation where regulatory proteins bind DNA to trigger transcription.

Chromatin remodeling

The process by which DNA is released from tight interactions with proteins to allow transcription.

RNA processing

The modification of primary RNA transcripts to produce mature mRNA.

mRNA stability

The life span of the mRNA that can affect gene expression.

Post-translational modification

Changes to proteins after translation, such as folding, transport, and activation.