Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Overview of Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

Genetics

13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Overview of Eukaryotic Gene Regulation

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1:37 minutes

Problem 3c

Textbook Question

Answer these questions concerning promoters.
What consensus sequences are detected in the mammalian β-globin gene promoter?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of a promoter: A promoter is a DNA sequence that facilitates the binding of RNA polymerase and transcription factors to initiate transcription. In eukaryotes, promoters often contain specific consensus sequences that are recognized by transcription machinery.

Identify the key consensus sequences in eukaryotic promoters: In mammalian genes, including the β-globin gene, common consensus sequences include the TATA box (TATAAA) and the CAAT box. These sequences are critical for transcription initiation.

Locate the TATA box: The TATA box is typically found approximately 25-30 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site. It serves as a binding site for the TATA-binding protein (TBP), a component of the transcription factor TFIID.

Locate the CAAT box: The CAAT box is usually found further upstream, around 70-80 base pairs from the transcription start site. It is recognized by transcription factors such as CTF (CAAT-binding transcription factor) and plays a role in enhancing transcription efficiency.

Summarize the consensus sequences for the β-globin gene promoter: The mammalian β-globin gene promoter contains the TATA box and CAAT box as key consensus sequences. These elements are essential for the proper initiation and regulation of transcription in this gene.

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Key Concepts

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

Promoter Structure

Promoters are specific DNA sequences located upstream of a gene that initiate transcription. They contain essential elements, including consensus sequences that are recognized by transcription factors and RNA polymerase. In mammalian genes, these sequences are crucial for the binding of the transcription machinery, ensuring proper gene expression.

Consensus Sequences

Consensus sequences are short, recurring patterns in DNA that are recognized by proteins involved in transcription. These sequences represent the most common nucleotides found at specific positions within a promoter region. In the β-globin gene promoter, consensus sequences such as the TATA box and the CAAT box play vital roles in the recruitment of transcription factors.

Transcription Factors

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences, regulating the transcription of genes. They interact with consensus sequences in the promoter region to facilitate or inhibit the recruitment of RNA polymerase. In the context of the β-globin gene promoter, transcription factors are essential for the precise control of gene expression during development and in response to physiological signals.