Question

What is gene expression and why it is important?

Answer 1

Gene: A gene may be defined as the unit of inheritance that is carried from the parent by a gamete in chromosomes and controls the expression of a character in a young one in cooperation with its allele, other genes, and environment. Chemically, a gene is a linear segment of DNA.

Gene expression: Expression of the gene is the process by which the information encoded in the gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product (such as polypeptides).

Importance if gene expression:

1. The rate of protein synthesis is regulated by genetic apparatus and environmental factors by the need of the cell. The mechanism which stimulates the expression of certain genes (synthesis of some polypeptides) and inhibits the expression of others as required in the cell is called regulation of gene expression.
2. Gene expression is required for growth and development. Gene expression is under strict regulation, which is required for differentiation, adaptation, and homeostasis.