Question

How do prokaryotes regulate gene expression?

Answer 1

In prokaryotes, gene expression is usually controlled at the transcriptional level.

Genes:

1. Genes are the functional units of DNA, which serve as the cell's information database and are located in the nucleus.
2. All genetic instructions or genomes that generate proteins are carried by genes.

Expression of Genes:

1. It is the mechanism by which genomes are employed to control protein production.
2. The protein that has been produced is used by the body to construct cell structures.
3. It's also a well-coordinated process that enables cells to respond to environmental changes.

Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes:

1. In prokaryotes, transcription start is the major site of gene regulation.
2. RNA polymerase activity at the promoter of a transcription unit is regulated by 'accessory proteins.'
3. These proteins obstruct the capacity of RNA polymerase to detect start sites.
4. These proteins can have a positive or negative effect (activator or deactivator) (repressors).
5. The accessibility of the promoter in bacterial DNA is determined by the interaction of proteins with regions known as operators.
6. The operator is usually located next to the promoter elements in most operons.
7. Furthermore, the operator is usually linked to a repressor protein.
8. As a result, each operon has a unique operator and repressor.