Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

16. Regulation of Expression

Introduction to Regulation of Gene Expression

General Biology

16. Regulation of Expression

Introduction to Regulation of Gene Expression

Previous problemNext problem

2:02 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

Which of the following methods of gene regulation do eukaryotes and prokaryotes have in common?
a. Elaborate packing of DNA in chromosomes
b. Activator and repressor proteins, which attach to DNA
c. The addition of a cap and tail to mRNA after transcription
d. Lac and trp operons

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the question is asking about similarities in gene regulation between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This means we need to identify a regulatory mechanism that is shared by both types of organisms.

Analyze each option: Option (a) refers to the elaborate packing of DNA in chromosomes, which is specific to eukaryotes due to their chromatin structure and histone proteins. Prokaryotes do not have this level of DNA packaging.

Option (b) mentions activator and repressor proteins, which are regulatory proteins that bind to DNA to either promote or inhibit transcription. Both eukaryotes and prokaryotes use these proteins in gene regulation, making this a shared mechanism.

Option (c) involves the addition of a cap and tail to mRNA after transcription, which is a process unique to eukaryotes. Prokaryotes do not modify their mRNA in this way.

Option (d) refers to lac and trp operons, which are specific examples of gene regulation in prokaryotes. Eukaryotes do not use operons for gene regulation. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b), as it is the only mechanism shared by both eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Gene Regulation

Gene regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the expression of genes, determining when and how much of a gene product is made. In both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, gene regulation is essential for responding to environmental changes and maintaining cellular functions. This process can involve various elements, including transcription factors, enhancers, and silencers, which interact with DNA to modulate gene activity.

Transcription Factors

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes. They can act as activators, enhancing gene expression, or repressors, inhibiting it. Both eukaryotes and prokaryotes utilize these proteins to respond to internal and external signals, making them a common feature in gene regulation across different organisms.

Operons

Operons are a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, commonly found in prokaryotes. They allow for coordinated regulation of genes that encode proteins with related functions, such as the lac and trp operons in E. coli. While eukaryotes do not have operons in the same way, they can achieve similar regulatory outcomes through complex interactions of transcription factors and regulatory elements.

Watch next

Master Introduction to Regulation of Gene Expression with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning