In this article, we will discuss the following major points in detail:-
- Introduction
- Gene regulation in prokaryotes.
1. Introduction
A gene is the portion of DNA that codes for an entire protein or RNA. The cell does not constantly need all the proteins and RNA it produces. There are times when specific proteins are essential and other times when other proteins are required.
Gene regulation controls gene expression. Gene regulation is the process by which the cell decides (through interactions between DNA, RNA, proteins, and other substances) when and where genes will be active and how much gene product will be produced. In other words, gene regulation is the mechanism by which the cell determines when and where genes will be activated.
Therefore, the expression of genes is controlled by a network that includes a large number of regulatory genes and regulatory proteins. Gene regulation has been studied in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
2. Gene regulation in prokaryotes.
Gene regulation in prokaryotes follows the operon model and is widely accepted.