Define gene regulation.
The process of turning genes on or off to control gene expression.
True or false: Eukaryotic gene regulation is simpler than prokaryotic.
FALSE
Eukaryotic regulation involves multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic control.
What is a promoter?
A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.
Fill in the blank: Enhancers increase gene expression by binding _______.
Transcription factors
What role do silencers play in gene regulation?
They inhibit transcription by binding repressor proteins.
Define transcription factors.
Proteins that help regulate the transcription of specific genes.
True or false: Epigenetic changes are permanent alterations to DNA sequences.
FALSE
Epigenetic changes can be reversible and affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
What is chromatin remodeling?
The alteration of chromatin structure to allow access to DNA for transcription.
Fill in the blank: Methylation typically _______ gene expression.
Represses
What is the function of RNA interference (RNAi)?
To regulate gene expression by degrading mRNA or inhibiting translation.
Define alternative splicing.
The process of generating different mRNA transcripts from a single gene.
True or false: All eukaryotic genes are expressed at all times.
FALSE
Gene expression is tightly regulated and varies by cell type and environmental conditions.
What is a response element?
A specific DNA sequence that transcription factors bind to regulate gene expression.
Fill in the blank: Histone acetylation generally _______ transcription.
Promotes
What is the role of general transcription factors?
They are necessary for the transcription of all protein-coding genes.
Define inducible genes.
Genes that are expressed only in response to specific signals or conditions.
True or false: All transcription factors are activators.
FALSE
Some transcription factors act as repressors, inhibiting gene expression.
What is post-transcriptional regulation?
Control of gene expression at the RNA level after transcription.
Fill in the blank: Ubiquitination targets proteins for _______.
Degradation
What is the function of microRNAs?
To regulate gene expression by binding to complementary mRNA sequences.
Define transcriptional activation.
The process by which transcription factors increase the likelihood of transcription.
True or false: Enhancers can function at great distances from the promoter.
TRUE
Enhancers can loop to interact with promoters, regardless of their distance.
What is a repressor?
A protein that binds to DNA and inhibits transcription of a gene.
Fill in the blank: Transcriptional coactivators assist _______ in gene activation.
Transcription factors
