Chapter 11, Problem 1CC

Complete the following concept map to test your knowledge of gene regulation.

Summary Introduction

To complete: The given map showing a process of gene regulation.

Introduction: Gene regulation is a process where the expression of genes are controlled for the synthesis of specified gene products (usually RNA or proteins).

Answer to Problem 1CC

The Fig.1 provides the process of gene regulation in the two domains of the living organisms: the prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Pictorial representation: Figure 1 shows the completed map of the gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Fig. 1: Gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Explanation of Solution

(a)

Correct answer: Proto-oncogenes.

Explanation: Proto-oncogenes are the common genes which are transformed into oncogenes (malignant genes) during mutation. These mutations can lead to indefinite proliferation of cells.

(b)

Correct answer: Repressor or activator.

Explanation: They are the molecules which regulates the transcription. Activators are transcription factors that activate or boost a gene to express and the repressors are the molecules that stop the expression of a gene.

(c)

Correct answer: Cancer.

Explanation: Cancer is a diseased condition where the normal cells get converted to abnormal cells through undifferentiated and uncontrolled growth.

(d)

Correct answer: Operator.

Explanation: Operator is a part of the operons which regulates the binding of a repressor molecule to it. The transcription is stopped when the repressor binds to the operator, thereby it blocks the further binding of RNA polymerase to initiate the transcription.

(e)

Correct answer: X-inactivation.

Explanation: The process of inactivation of single copy of X chromosomes in female mammals is called as X-inactivation.

(f)

Correct answer: Transcription factors.

Explanation: The proteins that are associated with the transcription of DNA to mRNA are called as transcription.

(g)

Correct answer: Alternative RNA splicing.

Explanation: Alternative splicing (differential splicing) is the process of regulation during a gene expression to produce a single gene which can code for different proteins. Final product of alternative splicing will be a processed mRNA.