Explain how a tissue-specific RNA-binding protein can lead to tissue-specific alternative splicing via splicing enhancers or splicing silencers.
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
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Overview of Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
Problem 10
Textbook Question
What are processing bodies (P bodies), and what role do they play in mRNA regulation?

1
Understand that processing bodies, or P bodies, are distinct cytoplasmic granules found in eukaryotic cells that contain enzymes and proteins involved in mRNA metabolism.
Recognize that P bodies serve as sites where mRNA molecules can be stored temporarily or degraded, thus playing a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
Learn that P bodies contain components such as decapping enzymes (e.g., Dcp1/Dcp2), exonucleases, and RNA-binding proteins that facilitate mRNA decay and translational repression.
Note that mRNAs targeted to P bodies are often translationally silenced, meaning they are not being actively translated into proteins while in these structures.
Appreciate that P bodies help regulate the balance between mRNA stability and degradation, thereby controlling the availability of mRNA for protein synthesis and influencing cellular responses.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Processing Bodies (P Bodies)
Processing bodies, or P bodies, are cytoplasmic granules found in eukaryotic cells that contain enzymes and proteins involved in mRNA metabolism. They serve as sites where mRNA molecules can be stored, degraded, or processed, playing a key role in post-transcriptional regulation.
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mRNA Processing
mRNA Regulation
mRNA regulation refers to the control of mRNA stability, translation, and degradation, which determines how much protein is produced from a gene. This regulation allows cells to respond dynamically to environmental changes and maintain proper gene expression levels.
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Regulation
Role of P Bodies in mRNA Decay and Storage
P bodies facilitate mRNA decay by housing enzymes like decapping and exonucleases that degrade mRNA. They also act as storage sites for translationally repressed mRNAs, allowing cells to quickly modulate protein synthesis by releasing or degrading these mRNAs as needed.
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