Essential Idea:   Information stored as a code in DNA is copied onto mRNA.

• Outline answer to each objective statement for topic 7.2 (coming soon)
• Quizlet study set for this topic

At SHS, Topic 7.2 is taught in the following class unit(s):​​​​​​​​​

• ​​Transcription
• Control of Gene Expression 

7.2.U1  Gene expression is regulated by proteins that bind to specific base sequences in DNA.

• Define gene expression.
• State two reasons why gene expression must be regulated.
• Outline the environmental regulation of the breakdown of lactose in E. coli.
• Outline the role of enhancers, silencers and promoter-proximal elements in regulation of gene expression.

7.2.U2  The environment of a cell and of an organism has an impact on gene expression.

• Describe the use of twin studies to measure the impact of environment on gene expression.
• Outline two examples of environmental influence on gene expression.

7.2.U3  Nucleosomes help to regulate transcription in eukaryotes.

• Outline the effect of methylation of nucleosome tails on rates of gene expression.
• Outline the effect of acetylation of nucleosome tails on rates of gene expression.

7.2.U4  Transcription occurs in a 5’ to 3’ direction.

• Describe the initiation of transcription, including the role of the promoter, transcription factors, the TATA box and RNA polymerase. 
• Describe elongation of transcription, including the role of nucleotide triphosphates and the direction of transcription. 
  
• Describe termination of transcription, including the role of the terminator.
  

 7.2.U5  Eukaryotic cells modify mRNA after transcription.

• List two major differences in gene expression between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
• Describe the three post-transcriptional modifications of pre-mRNA in eukaryotes.

7.2.U6  Splicing of mRNA increases the number of different proteins an organism can produce.

• Describe the process of alternative RNA splicing.
• Outline an example of alternative splicing the results in different protein products.

7.2.A1  The promoter as an example of non-coding DNA with a function.

• Outline the role of promoter DNA.
  

7.2.S1  Analysis of changes in the DNA methylation patterns.

• State the effect of DNA methylation on gene expression.
• Compare methylation patterns in twins using superimposed images of dyed chromosomes.

7.2.NOS  Looking for patterns, trends and discrepancies- there is mounting evidence that the environment can trigger heritable changes in epigenetic factors.

• Define epigenetic and epigenome.
• List types of epigenetic tags.
• Discuss the role of reprogramming and imprinting on epigenetic factors.