Eukaryotic Genes and Genomes II

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to eukaryotic gene regulation and the GAL genes in yeast, emphasizing the mechanisms of transcriptional control and the roles of specific proteins in this process.

Eukaryotic gene regulation

The process by which gene expression in eukaryotic organisms is controlled in response to internal and external stimuli.

Housekeeping genes

Genes that are continuously expressed to maintain basic cellular function across different cell types.

Operons

Gene clusters found in prokaryotes that are co-regulated; not present in eukaryotic gene organization.

Nucleosomes

Structural component of eukaryotic chromatin consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

GAL genes

A set of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involved in galactose metabolism, including GAL1, GAL7, and GAL10.

Gal4

A transcriptional activator protein that positively regulates the expression of GAL genes in response to galactose.

Gal80

A regulatory protein that inhibits Gal4 activity; negatively regulates the expression of the GAL genes.

Constitutive expression

A term describing genes that are expressed continuously regardless of environmental conditions, such as those in Gal80- mutants.

Epistasis test

A genetic test to determine the interaction between genes, specifically which one is dominant or recessive in a pathway.

Gal3

A protein that binds galactose and interacts with Gal80 to facilitate gene activation by Gal4.

UAS (Upstream Activator Sequence)

A region in the promoter of GAL genes where the Gal4 transcription factor binds to initiate gene expression.