Controlling gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Curriculum Expectations
D3.3 explain the steps involved in the process of protein synthesis and how genetic expression is controlled in prokaryotes and eukaryotes by regulatory proteins (e.g., the role of operons in prokaryotic cells; the mechanism of gene expression in eukaryotic cells)
D3.3 explain the steps involved in the process of protein synthesis and how genetic expression is controlled in prokaryotes and eukaryotes by regulatory proteins (e.g., the role of operons in prokaryotic cells; the mechanism of gene expression in eukaryotic cells)
Introduction to control mechanisms
Within all living things, many genes code for proteins however not all of these genes need to be activated at the same time. Some genes are always active and these are referred to as the housekeeping genes. All other genes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes must be regulated according to the cells requirements. Eukaryotes and prokaryotes achieve this control of gene expression in two different fashions. Eukaryotes use multiple gene-regulating mechanisms operate in the nucleus before and after RNA transcription, and in the cytoplasm both before and after translation while prokaryotes utilize operons.