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Gene Structure and Function

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156 views

Gene Structure and Function

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michaelokuchukwu22
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Gene structure and function

Definition: A gene is a part or segment of DNA strands which determines a specific trait.

Genes are found in all known organisms and encode for a single protein (which determines a
particular trait). Examples includes height, eye colour, blood type, skin colour etc
NB: In simple terms, genes are those things we inherit from our parents
DNA is the chemical form which stores genetic information. Hence, it is the carrier of genetic
information.

Introduction and Brief History of gene


• The classical principles of genetics were deduced by Gregor Mendel in 1865 on the basis of
breeding experiments with peas.
• He assumed that each trait is determined by a pair of inherited ‘factors’ which are now called
gene.
In 1909 Wilhelm Johannsen coined the term ‘GENE’

Types of Gene based on organism


• Prokaryotic gene (which is seen in prokaryotes, example: Bacteria, Cyanobacteria)
• Eukaryotic gene (Which is seen in higher organisms such as Plants, Animals)
1. Prokaryotic gene structure
Prokaryotic Gene is composed of three regions:
1.Promoter region
2.RNA coding sequence
3.Terminator region
Prokaryotic gene is continuing and uninterested where there is no introns present
Promoter region:
This is situated on upstream of the sequence that codes for RNA. This is the site that interact
RNA polymerase before RNA synthesis (Transcription).
Promoter region provides the location and direction to initiate transcription

RNA coding sequence:

The DNA sequence that will become copied into an RNA molecule (RNA transcript),
starts with an initiator codon and ends with termination codon No introns
(uninterrupted). Terminator region:

The region that signal the RNA polymerase to stop transcription from DNA template.
Transcription termination occur through Rho dependent or Rho independent mannregion
Eukaryotic gene structure
Eukaryotic gene are complex structures compared that prokaryotic gene. They are composed
of following regions
Exons
Introns
Promoter sequences
Terminator sequences
Upstream sequences
Downstream sequences
Enhancers and silencers (upstream or downstream)
Signals (Upstream sequence signal for addition of cap. Downstream sequences signal for
addition of poly A tail.)

Exons
FIG. A.

FIG. B.
Coding sequence, transcribed and translated.
• Coding for amino acids in the polypeptide chain.
• Vary in number, sequence and length. A gene starts and ends with exons.(5’ to 3’).
• Some exon includes untranslated
(UTR)region. Introns

FIG. C
FIGURE 2: EXON/INTRON ILLUSTRATION.

NOTE
RNA Splicing is the removal of introns and joing of exons in eukaryotic messenger RNA. It also
occur in transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA. It is accomplished with the help of spliceosomes which
remove introns from the genes in RNA . Spliceosomes are composed of a mixture of protein and
small RNA molecules. They locate the ends of adjacent exons together. Once the entire gene is
devoid of its introns, the process of RNA splicing is completed

Coding sequences are separated by noncoding sequences called introns. • They are removed when
the primary transcript is processed to give the mature RNA
• All introns share the base sequence GT in the 5’end and AG in the 3’end.
• Introns were 1st discovered in 1977 independently by Phillip Sharp and Richard Roberts.

Significance of Introns
• Introns don't specify the synthesis of proteins but have other important cellular activities.
• Many introns encode RNA’s that are major regulators of gene expression.
• Contain regulatory sequences that control transcription and mRNA processing.
• Introns allow exons to be joined in different combinations (alternative splicing), resulting in the
synthesis of different proteins from the same gene.
• Important role in evolution by facilitating recombination between exons of different genes
(exon shuffling).
Promoters
A promoter is a regulatory region of DNA located upstream controlling gene expression.
1. Core promoter – transcription start site (-34) Binding site for RNA polymerase and it is a
general transcription factor binding sites.
2. Proximal promoter-contain. primary regulatory element. • These together are responsible for
binding of RNA polymerase II which is responsible for transcription.
Upstream (5’end)
• 5’UTR serve several functions including mRNA transport and initiation of translation.
• Signal for addition of cap (7 methyl guanosine) to the 5’end of the mRNA.
• The cap facilitates the initiation of translation.
• Stabilization of mRNA. Downstream (3’end)
• 3’UTR serves to add mRNA
• stability and attachment site for poly-A-tail.
• The translation termination codon TAA.
• AATAA sequence signal for addition of poly A tail.
Terminator Recognized by RNA polymerase as a signal to stop transcription
Enhancer Enhances the transcription of a gene upto few thousand bp
upstream. Silencers Reduce or shut down the expression of a near by gene.
• Number of genes in each organism is more than the number of chromosomes; hence several
genes are located on each chromosome.
• The genes are arranged in a single linear order like beads on a string.
• Each gene occupies specific position called locus.
• If the position of gene changes, character changes.
• Genes can be transmitted from parent to off springs.
• Genes may exist in several alternate formed called alleles.
• Genes are capable of combining together or can be replicated during a cell division.
• Genes may undergo some sudden changes in position and composition called mutation.
• Genes are capable of self duplication producing their own exact copies.

FUNCTIONS OF GENES

1. Genes carries the hereditary information from one generation to the next
2. It helps in the formation of protein
3. They consist of a particular set of functions and instructions
4. Development of different stages in life history is controlled by gene
5. Gene control the morphology or phenotype of individual etc

ASSIGNMENT
Study Nucleic acid and its biological functions in preparation for the next class.

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