Gene Expression and Regulation
What is a gene?
A section of DNA that codes for a trait.
Why is gene regulation different in prokaryotes?
They don't have a nucleus
Where does transcription take place in eukaryotic cells?
in the nucleus
Do most cells in your body contain the exact same DNA?
Yes!
What sport does Ms. Bangerter coach?
What is gene expression?
The physical expression of a gene- from DNA to the actual proteins made.
What is the operator?
The binding site where a repressor binds (in prokaryotes)
What is the name of the regulatory protein that allows transcription to start?
Activator
If all cells share the same DNA how are they all different?
Different genes are turned on and off (cell differentiation)
What is the name of Ms. Bangerter's cat?
Daisy
What is gene regulation?
The process of regulatory proteins turning genes on/off.
What is an operon?
A group of linked genes controlled by one promoter
What is the name of the regulatory protein that blocks transcription from starting?
Repressor
Refer to the Level 1 Question Diagram of your flex quiz. Which genes does Cell B have turned on?
Genes A, C and D.
Where did Ms. Bangerter go to college?
Western Washington University, Grand Canyon University, and technically Whatcom Community College (for two classes!)
Is all DNA turned into proteins?
No! Binding sites and promoters are not transcribed into proteins (but still necessary for transcription to happen!)
In prokaryotic gene regulation, what does the repressor block when it is bound?
The promoter and/or RNA polymerase from binding
What are binding sites?
The sections of DNA where regulatory proteins bind
Refer to the Level 1 Question Diagram of your flex quiz.
Gene A codes for a structural protein that creates a sphere shape.
Gene B codes for a structural protein that allows cells to stretch and contract.
Gene C codes for cytokines, a type of protein used for cellular communication.
Gene D codes for antibodies, a type of defense protein.
Based on the proteins made, what type of cell is Cell B most likely?
White Blood Cell
What college did Ms. Bangerter play volleyball at?
Whatcom Community College
Why do cells only express some of the genes in their DNA?
To conserve energy!
What type of molecule is necessary for transcription to start in (most) prokaryotes?
What does it bind to?
An inducer
The repressor.
What combination(s) of regulatory proteins will turn genes on? AND What combination(s) of regulatory proteins will turn genes off?
Turn genes on: Activators only
Turn genes off: No activators OR activators and repressors bound
Give an example of a cell that might have the gene for DNA replication turned on at some point in time.
Any cell type answer acceptable. All cell types will need to replicate at some point in life- so they will have the gene for DNA replication turned on when they need it.
What two degrees does Ms. Bangerter have?
Undergraduate: Biology
Masters: Secondary Education