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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2:13 minutes

Problem 17

Textbook Question

While circular RNAs were first described long ago, they have only recently been investigated for function. What are their known and suspected functions in the cell?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA characterized by a covalently closed loop structure without 5' caps or 3' poly-A tails, which makes them resistant to exonucleases and more stable than linear RNAs.

Explore the known functions of circRNAs, such as acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, where they bind and sequester miRNAs, preventing these miRNAs from downregulating their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs).

Consider their role in regulating transcription and splicing by interacting with RNA-binding proteins or influencing the expression of their parental genes.

Investigate the suspected functions, including their potential involvement in protein translation, as some circRNAs have been found to contain internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) that may allow them to be translated into peptides.

Recognize the emerging evidence that circRNAs may play roles in cellular stress responses, development, and disease processes such as cancer, highlighting the importance of ongoing research to fully elucidate their functions.

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Key Concepts

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

Circular RNA Structure and Biogenesis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA characterized by a covalently closed loop structure without 5' or 3' ends. They are generated mainly through back-splicing events where a downstream splice donor joins an upstream splice acceptor, distinguishing them from linear RNAs.

Functions of Circular RNAs

CircRNAs are known to regulate gene expression by acting as microRNA sponges, binding and sequestering microRNAs to prevent them from repressing target mRNAs. They may also interact with RNA-binding proteins and influence transcription or splicing, and some circRNAs can be translated into peptides.

Biological Significance and Potential Roles

CircRNAs are implicated in various cellular processes including development, differentiation, and disease states like cancer and neurological disorders. Their stability and abundance suggest roles in post-transcriptional regulation and cellular signaling, though many functions remain under investigation.

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