1.08 Test Study Guide: Gene Expression

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What is gene expression?

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Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, usually proteins.

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What is the role of proteins in gene expression?

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Proteins are the end products of gene expression and perform various functions in the cell, including structural roles, catalyzing biochemical reactions, and regulating cellular processes.

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What does it mean when we say all cells have the same genes?

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It means that every cell in an organism contains the same DNA sequence, but different genes can be activated or expressed in different cell types.

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What is the lac operon?

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The lac operon is a set of genes in bacteria that are involved in the metabolism of lactose and is regulated by the presence or absence of lactose.

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What is a repressor protein?

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A repressor protein is a type of regulatory protein that binds to specific DNA sequences and inhibits the transcription of certain genes.

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How does lactose affect the lac operon?

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Lactose binds to the repressor protein, causing it to change shape and release from the DNA, allowing gene transcription to occur.

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What is differentiation in the context of gene expression?

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Differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized in structure and function, often through the selective expression of certain genes.

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Why is controlled timing of gene expression important?

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Controlled timing of gene expression is crucial for proper development, differentiation, and functioning of an organism.

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What is mRNA?

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mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

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What is the difference between transcription and translation?

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Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA, while translation is the process of decoding mRNA to synthesize proteins.