Explore gene expression mechanisms through simulations. Learn about transcription, translation, and gene regulation with visualizations.
Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product, such as a protein. It involves transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to protein), with various regulatory mechanisms controlling when and how much of a gene product is made.
RNA polymerase reads the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand in the nucleus.
mRNA is modified with a 5' cap and 3' poly-A tail, and introns are removed through splicing.
At the ribosome, mRNA is read in codons and amino acids are assembled into proteins.
Simulate the process of RNA synthesis from a DNA template.
Promoter Region: TATA box
RNA Polymerase: RNA Pol II
Direction: 5' to 3'
Simulate protein synthesis at the ribosome using mRNA and tRNA.
Start Codon: AUG
Stop Codons: UAA, UAG, UGA
Peptide Bonds: 4 bonds formed
Problem: Given the DNA template strand "TAC GAA CTA GGT", what is the resulting mRNA sequence?
DNA template: TAC GAA CTA GGT
Complementary mRNA: AUG CUU GAU CCA
Note: Thymine (T) pairs with Adenine (A), but in RNA, Uracil (U) replaces Thymine.
Therefore, T→A, A→U, G→C, C→G
Problem: Given the mRNA sequence "AUG-UCG-AAA-GUC-UAA", what is the resulting protein sequence?
mRNA: AUG-UCG-AAA-GUC-UAA
Codon 1 (AUG): Methionine (Met) - Start codon
Codon 2 (UCG): Serine (Ser)
Codon 3 (AAA): Lysine (Lys)
Codon 4 (GUC): Valine (Val)
Codon 5 (UAA): Stop codon
Protein: Met-Ser-Lys-Val
Problem: Explain how the lac operon regulates lactose metabolism in E. coli.
The lac operon consists of structural genes (lacZ, lacY, lacA) and regulatory elements (promoter, operator, repressor).
When lactose is absent: The lac repressor binds to the operator, blocking transcription.
When lactose is present: Lactose (or allolactose) binds to the repressor, changing its shape and releasing it from the operator, allowing transcription.
This is an example of negative inducible regulation.
Gene Expression: The process of converting genetic information into functional products.
Gene Regulation: The control mechanisms that determine when and how much gene expression occurs.
Gene Expression: Involves transcription and translation to produce proteins.
DNA Replication: The process of copying DNA before cell division.
Prokaryotic: Transcription and translation occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm.
Eukaryotic: Transcription occurs in the nucleus; translation in the cytoplasm.
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