Ch. 11 How Genes Are Controlled

Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook

Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th Edition

Ch. 11 How Genes Are Controlled

Problem 5

Chapter 11, Problem 5

The control of gene expression is more complex in multicellular eukaryotes than in prokaryotes because __________. (Explain your answer.)
a. Eukaryotic cells are much smaller
b. In a multicellular eukaryote, different cells are specialized for different functions
c. Prokaryotes are restricted to stable environments
d. Eukaryotes have fewer genes, so each gene must do several jobs

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context of the question: Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, such as proteins. The complexity of gene expression control can vary between prokaryotes and eukaryotes due to differences in their cellular organization and functions.

Analyze the options provided: Each option suggests a reason why gene expression might be more complex in multicellular eukaryotes. Evaluate each one based on biological principles.

Evaluate option a: 'Eukaryotic cells are much smaller.' This is incorrect because eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells, and cell size does not directly influence the complexity of gene expression.

Evaluate option b: 'In a multicellular eukaryote, different cells are specialized for different functions.' This is correct because multicellular eukaryotes have specialized cells (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells) that require precise and diverse gene expression patterns to perform their specific functions. This specialization adds complexity to gene regulation.

Evaluate options c and d: Option c ('Prokaryotes are restricted to stable environments') is incorrect because environmental stability does not directly relate to gene expression complexity. Option d ('Eukaryotes have fewer genes, so each gene must do several jobs') is also incorrect because eukaryotes generally have more genes than prokaryotes, and the complexity arises from regulatory mechanisms, not gene quantity.

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Key Concepts

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

Gene Expression Regulation

Gene expression regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the timing, location, and amount of gene product (RNA or protein) produced in a cell. In multicellular eukaryotes, this regulation is complex due to the need for different cell types to express different genes based on their specialized functions, allowing for diverse physiological roles within the organism.

Cell Specialization

Cell specialization, or differentiation, is the process by which generic cells develop into distinct cell types with specific functions. In multicellular eukaryotes, this specialization requires intricate regulatory networks to ensure that only the necessary genes are expressed in each cell type, contrasting with prokaryotes, where cells typically perform similar functions and express similar genes.

Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Gene Structure

Eukaryotic genes often contain introns and regulatory sequences that are not present in prokaryotic genes, which are generally simpler and organized in operons. This structural complexity in eukaryotes necessitates more sophisticated mechanisms for gene expression control, as multiple regulatory elements must coordinate to ensure proper gene function in response to developmental and environmental cues.

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Recap: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Related Practice

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

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Textbook Question

A homeotic gene does which of the following?

a. It serves as the ultimate control for prokaryotic operons.

b. It regulates the expression of groups of other genes during development.

c. It represses the histone proteins in eukaryotic chromosomes.

d. It helps splice mRNA after transcription.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is a valid difference between embryonic stem cells and the stem cells found in adult tissues?

a. In laboratory culture, only adult stem cells are immortal.

b. In nature, only embryonic stem cells give rise to all the different types of cells in the organism.

c. Only adult stem cells can differentiate in culture.

d. Embryonic stem cells are generally more difficult to grow in culture than adult stem cells.

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Textbook Question

Your bone cells, muscle cells, and skin cells look different because

a. Each cell contains different kinds of genes.

b. They are present in different organs.

c. Different genes are active in each kind of cell.

d. They contain different numbers of genes.

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Textbook Question

All your cells contain proto-oncogenes, which can change into cancer-causing oncogenes. Why do cells possess such potential time bombs?

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Textbook Question

You obtain an egg cell from the ovary of a white mouse and remove the nucleus from it. You then obtain a nucleus from a liver cell from an adult black mouse. You use the methods of nuclear transplantation to insert the nucleus into the empty egg. After some prompting, the new zygote divides into an early embryo, which you then implant into the uterus of a brown mouse. A few weeks later, a baby mouse is born. What color will it be? Why?

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