Gene expression

Definition

Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, primarily proteins. It involves transcription of DNA into mRNA and translation of mRNA into proteins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gene expression is regulated at multiple levels including transcription, RNA processing, and translation.
2. The operon model in prokaryotes illustrates how genes can be co-regulated through shared promoter regions.
3. Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription process.
4. In eukaryotes, enhancers and silencers are regulatory DNA sequences that influence gene expression from a distance.
5. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation, play crucial roles in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Review Questions

• What are the primary steps involved in gene expression?
• How does the operon model explain gene regulation in prokaryotes?
• What role do transcription factors play in gene expression?

Related terms

Operon: A cluster of genes under control of a single promoter, typically found in prokaryotes.

Transcription Factor: Proteins that help initiate or inhibit the transcription of genes by binding to specific DNA sequences.

Epigenetics: Study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence itself.