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Chapter 16: Problem 3

What features of eukaryotes provide additional opportunities for the regulation of gene expression compared to bacteria?

Short Answer

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Answer: Some features of eukaryotes that provide additional opportunities for regulation of gene expression compared to bacteria include the presence of a nuclear envelope, a complex chromatin structure, more intricate transcription factors and RNA polymerases, further processing of mRNA, selective mRNA export and stability, and more complex mechanisms governing translation. These unique features allow eukaryotes to have greater control over gene expression compared to bacteria.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

Eukaryotes and bacteria are two different types of cells that regulate gene expression differently. Eukaryotes have more complex mechanisms for regulating gene expression, which can be attributed to various features unique to their cellular organization, structure, and processes.
02

Nuclear Envelope

One of the key differences between eukaryotes and bacteria is the presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells. The nuclear envelope separates the cellular genetic material from the cytoplasm, creating an additional level of regulation. This enables the eukaryotic cell to control and regulate the transport of RNA and proteins into and out of the nucleus.
03

Chromatin Structure

In eukaryotes, DNA is organized into chromatin structures consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins. The state of the chromatin, either condensed or relaxed, can greatly influence gene expression. Enzymatic modification of histones, such as acetylation or methylation, controls the accessibility of the DNA to transcription machinery and consequently regulates gene expression.
04

Transcription and Processing of RNA

Eukaryotic cells have a more complex set of transcription factors and RNA polymerases than bacteria, which allows for more precise control over gene expression. Additionally, eukaryotic cells perform further processing of mRNA, like capping, splicing, and adding a poly-A tail, which provides additional opportunities for regulation.
05

mRNA Export and Stability

Once processed, eukaryotic mRNAs must be exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The regulatory mechanisms governing this process, such as selective export through nuclear pores, can have an effect on gene expression. Furthermore, eukaryotic mRNAs have a longer half-life than bacterial mRNAs, offering more chances for regulation after transcription.
06

Translation Regulation

Eukaryotes have more complex mechanisms governing translation initiation, elongation, and termination, which provides additional regulatory opportunities. Processes such as mRNA surveillance, nonsense-mediated decay, and miRNAs add to the intricate regulatory network of gene expression in eukaryotes. In conclusion, the unique features of eukaryotes, such as the presence of a nucleus, chromatin structure, and complex transcription and translation machinery, provide more opportunities for regulating gene expression compared to bacteria.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Present an overview of the manner in which chromatin can be remodeled. Describe the manner in which these remodeling processes influence transcription.

Present an overview of RNA interference (RNAi). How does the silencing process begin, and what major components participate?

Many promoter regions contain CAAT boxes containing consensus sequences CAAT or CCAAT approximately 70 to 80 bases upstream from the transcription start site. How might one determine the influence of CAAT boxes on the transcription rate of a given gene?

In \(1998,\) future Nobel laureates Andrew Fire and Craig Mello, and colleagues, published an article in Nature entitled, "Potent and specific genetic interference by double-stranded RNA in Caenorhabditis elegans." Explain how RNAi is both "potent and specific."

miRNAs target endogenous mRNAs in a sequence-specific manner. Explain, conceptually, how one might identify potential mRNA targets for a given miRNA if you only know the sequence of the miRNA and the sequence of all mRNAs in a cell or tissue of interest.
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