Control of gene expression Key Terms

Base Substitution

A type of mutation where one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced by another, potentially altering the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame of the genetic code, often resulting in a completely different protein.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can lead to alterations in protein structure and function.

Amino Acid Sequence

The order of amino acids in a protein, which determines its structure and function.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA, which can lead to changes in phenotype.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.

Point mutation

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, leading to the production of mRNA.

Cell specialization

The process by which generic cells develop into specialized cells with specific functions.

Totipotent

Stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into any cell type, including both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues.

Pluripotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into almost all cell types derived from the three germ layers, but not into extraembryonic tissues.

Reprogramming

The process of converting differentiated cells back into a pluripotent state, typically through the introduction of specific transcription factors.

Differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, often involving changes in gene expression.

Differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

Regenerative medicine

A field of medicine focused on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged tissues and organs using stem cells and tissue engineering.

Transcription Factor

A protein that binds to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes.

Enhancer

A DNA sequence that can increase the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

Transcription

The process by which the genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).

Transcription factor

A protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, regulating the transcription of genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Epigenetics

The study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells that packages DNA into a compact, dense shape.

RNA interference (RNAi)

A cellular mechanism that uses small RNA molecules to inhibit gene expression by degrading mRNA.

small interfering RNA (siRNA)

A class of double-stranded RNA molecules that are involved in the RNA interference pathway, leading to the degradation of complementary mRNA.

Transcription

The process by which the genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information carried by mRNA.

Tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability of cells to invade other tissues.

Oncogene

A gene that has the potential to cause cancer, typically through mutations that lead to increased cell proliferation.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

A gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer, often by regulating cell division and promoting apoptosis.