Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a key feature of eukaryotic gene regulation?
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13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Overview of Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
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In the context of eukaryotic gene regulation, CpG islands are generally associated with which of the following gene states?
A
Genes that are never transcribed
B
Genes located only in heterochromatin regions
C
Suppressed genes, as they are always methylated
D
Active genes, as they are typically unmethylated
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that CpG islands are regions in DNA with a high frequency of the cytosine-guanine dinucleotide sequence, often found near gene promoters in eukaryotic genomes.
Recognize that DNA methylation typically occurs at CpG sites and is a common epigenetic mechanism that can suppress gene expression by preventing transcription factors from binding.
Note that CpG islands associated with active genes are usually unmethylated, allowing the gene to be accessible for transcription machinery and thus actively transcribed.
Contrast this with methylated CpG islands, which are often linked to gene silencing or suppression, especially in heterochromatin regions where genes are generally inactive.
Conclude that the presence of unmethylated CpG islands near gene promoters is a hallmark of active gene expression in eukaryotes.
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