Gene Regulation I: Key Concepts

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts and facts related to gene regulation.

What is gene regulation?

The process by which cells control gene expression, determining which genes are turned on or off at any given time.

Why is gene regulation important?

It allows cells to adapt to environmental changes, control energy costs of gene expression, and ensure appropriate cell differentiation.

What are cis-acting elements?

DNA sequences located on the same molecule of DNA that control the expression of a gene.

What are trans-acting elements?

Proteins that bind to cis-elements to stimulate or inhibit the expression of a gene.

What is positive regulation in gene expression?

Mechanism that promotes transcription and enhances gene expression.

What is negative regulation in gene expression?

Mechanism that inhibits transcription and reduces gene expression.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

How can gene regulation be utilized in research?

To understand gene function, develop gene editing techniques, and create contributors to biomedicine.

What example illustrates differential gene expression?

The development of different cell types from intestinal crypt cells.

What does a DNA footprinting technique reveal?

It identifies regions of DNA that transcription factors bind to without cleavage by DNase.