DEBio 16 Vocab flashcard

Front

What is an inducible operon?

Back

An operon that can be activated or repressed depending on cellular needs.

Front

What is the function of the proteasome in a cell?

Back

It degrades proteins.

Front

How does an activator influence transcription in prokaryotic cells?

Back

It binds to prokaryotic operators to increase transcription.

Front

Explain the role of an operator in prokaryotic gene expression.

Back

It is a region of DNA that binds activators or repressors to control gene expression.

Front

Describe the function of a positive regulator in gene expression.

Back

It increases transcription.

Front

What is a repressor in gene expression?

Back

A protein that binds to an operator to prevent transcription.

Front

Define transcription in the context of gene expression.

Back

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Front

What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

Back

It synthesizes RNA from the DNA template.

Front

What is the difference between an operon and a gene?

Back

An operon is a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, while a gene is a single unit of heredity.

Front

What is the significance of the lac operon in E. coli?

Back

It is a model for understanding gene regulation in prokaryotes, particularly in response to lactose.