Chapter 14 Lesson 3: Gene Regulation and Expression
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Main Idea of Promoters and Operators: Promoters and operators are regions of DNA that regulate the transcription of genes.
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Detail and Evidence of Promoters and Operators: Promoters are DNA sequences where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription, while operators are segments that can block or allow RNA polymerase binding, influencing gene expression.
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Main Idea of Transcription Factors: Transcription factors are proteins that help regulate gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences.
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Main Idea of Cell Specialization: Cell specialization refers to the process by which generic cells develop into distinct cell types with specific functions.
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Detail and Evidence of Cell Specialization: This process involves differential gene expression, where specific genes are activated or silenced, leading to the unique functions of cells such as muscle cells and nerve cells.
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Main Idea of Homeotic Genes: Homeotic genes control the development and body plan of organisms by determining the identity of particular body segments.
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Detail and Evidence of Homeotic Genes: These genes contain homeoboxes, which encode proteins that regulate other genes involved in the development of anatomical structures; mutations can lead to dramatic changes in morphology.
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Main Idea of Epigenetics: Epigenetics involves changes in gene expression that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence and can be influenced by environmental factors.
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Detail and Evidence of Epigenetics: Modifications such as DNA methylation and histone modification can affect chromatin structure and accessibility, thereby regulating gene expression without changing the genetic code.
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Main Idea of Environmental Influences: Environmental influences can affect gene expression and organismal development by interacting with genetic factors.
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Detail and Evidence of Environmental Influences: Factors such as diet, temperature, and toxins can lead to epigenetic changes that modify gene expression and potentially affect an organism’s phenotype.
Questions:
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Why are genes contained in compact chromatin not expressed?: Genes in compact chromatin are not expressed because their tightly coiled structure makes them inaccessible to the transcription machinery.
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What epigenetic marker changes cause chromatin to open up?: Acetylation of histones and the removal of DNA methylation are epigenetic marker changes that cause chromatin to open up, facilitating gene expression.