Regulation of gene activity simply explained

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The regulation of gene activity is a book with seven seals for "dummies". But what seems difficult and confusing is just logical biology. This introduction gives you an overview.

In the normal state, DNA is organized in the form of a double helix.
In the normal state, DNA is organized in the form of a double helix.

Regulation of gene activity

The gene regulation of gene activity takes place through various influences.

  • Not all genes are active. Permanent genes are called "constitutive". Active genes code for protein without being inhibited. These are differentiated from the “regulated” genes.
  • In order to utilize lactose, three enzymes are needed. There are so-called “structural genes” for this. Whose Functions are monitored by the DNA sections "operator" and "promoter". The unit of structural gene, operator and promoter is called an operon.
  • The genes are regulated by operons and the so-called "repressors". A repressor, on the other hand, is a protein that is considered a “regulator gene”. If it is active, it can inhibit the transcription of structural genes. This prevents enzyme production, which is also part of the regulation of gene activity.
  • If the only available nutrient medium is lactose, the lactose molecule and the repressor will react accordingly. The given structure changes and becomes passive. The operator can no longer be bound. The promoter then stores the RNA polymerase necessary for the transfer. This is called transcription. Transcription is the first step in protein synthesis and occurs through the three structural genes.
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  • Now the production of the enzymes that are needed for the breakdown of lactose begins. The lactose can derive its own usability. This is called enzyme induction.
  • This also means that the enzymes do not only take part in degradation processes. In fact, they are also responsible for the construction processes.
  • Should z. B. in the bacterium Escherichia coli (abbreviated E. coli) the amino acid tryptophan is produced, then the tryptophan Peron is used for this.
  • When the demand is met, production is stopped. The repressor experiences a structural change due to the tryptophan. When the repressor is cranked, it binds to the operator. The transfer is ended. In professional circles this is called enzyme repression.

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