Gene Expression in Eukaryotes

933 Words2 Pages

Distinct characteristics are not only an end result of the DNA sequence but also of the cell’s internal system of expression orchestrated by different proteins and RNAs present at a given time. DNA encodes for many possible characteristics, but different types of RNA aided by specialized proteins sometimes with external signals express the needed genes. Control of gene expression is of vital importance for an eukaryote’s survival such as the ability of switching genes on/off in accordance with the changes in the environment (Campbell and Reece, 2008). Of a cell’s entire genome, only 15% will be expressed, and in multicellular organisms the genes active will vary according to their specialization. (Fletcher, Ivor & Winter, 2007).

The amount of information encoded by the genes within a cell is enormous, although some will never be expressed while others occasionally during its life cycle. For example some genes that encode for ribosomal RNA are being expressed continuously because they are responsible with the formation of proteins in the cell’s cytoplasm. Specific RNA molecules and proteins are expressed in all cells at all times, their genes going under the name of housekeeping genes. They are responsible with the maintenance of the cells and can aid geneticists recognize their function (Brown, 2011).

A specialized cellular molecule copies a given sequence of DNA whose end product will contribute to its function. DNA is a long molecule that usually can be found in a condensed state. Specialized types of proteins called histones wrap the DNA, forming nucleosomes, and thus occupying a smaller volume in the nucleus. There are 2 types of nucleosomes, their importance being in that they tell what will be expressed or not. Euchromat...

... middle of paper ...

... information needed to stimulate normal cell growth. Failure can lead to the onset of cancer. (Campbell, Reece, Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky and Jackson, 2008)

Works Cited

1. Campbell N. A., Reece L. A., Cain M. L., Wasserman S. A., Minorsky P. V. and Jackson R. B. (2008). Regulation of Gene Expression
2. (website – Theresa Philips, Ph.D. ( write science right ) c. 2008 Nature Education
Citation: Philips, T. (2008) Regulation of Transcription and gene expression in Eukaryotes. Nature Education 1(1)
Accessed: 02/11/2013 www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/regulation-of-transcription-and-gene-expression-in-1086 Hartl Daniel L. 2009 Genetics
Analysis of Genes and Genomes
Added to Library: 18 Nov 2013Last Updated: 18 Nov 2013
View group membership for this record View file attachments View figure attachment
Russel Peter J. 2010 iGenetics
A molecular approach

Open Document