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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1:48 minutes

Problem 1d

Textbook Question

Devoting a few sentences to each, describe the following structures or complexes and their effects on eukaryotic gene expression:
RISC

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that RISC stands for RNA-Induced Silencing Complex, which is a key player in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, a mechanism for regulating gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

Learn that RISC is formed when a small RNA molecule, such as a microRNA (miRNA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA), binds to the Argonaute protein, which is the core component of the complex.

Recognize that the small RNA within RISC serves as a guide by base-pairing with complementary sequences in target messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules.

Understand that once RISC binds to its target mRNA, it can either degrade the mRNA or inhibit its translation, depending on the degree of complementarity between the small RNA and the mRNA.

Conclude that the overall effect of RISC on eukaryotic gene expression is to reduce or silence the expression of specific genes, making it a critical tool for post-transcriptional gene regulation.

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Key Concepts

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

RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)

RISC is a multi-protein complex that plays a crucial role in RNA interference (RNAi), a biological process that regulates gene expression. It incorporates small RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which guide the complex to complementary mRNA targets. Once bound, RISC can either degrade the mRNA or inhibit its translation, effectively silencing the gene associated with that mRNA.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs. They are processed from longer precursor molecules and play a significant role in post-transcriptional regulation. By influencing mRNA stability and translation, miRNAs can modulate various biological processes, including development, differentiation, and response to stress.

Gene Silencing

Gene silencing refers to the process by which the expression of a gene is inhibited or completely turned off. This can occur through various mechanisms, including RNA interference, where RISC and small RNAs target specific mRNAs for degradation or translational repression. Gene silencing is essential for regulating gene expression in response to environmental changes and maintaining cellular homeostasis.