Gene Expression Overview
Start with the big picture
The central dogma describes information flowing from DNA to RNA to protein. RNA polymerase II transcribes DNA, while promoters and basal transcription factors help define where transcription begins. Enhancers, silencers, chromatin state, DNA methylation, and response elements influence transcription. After transcription, capping, splicing, and polyadenylation support mRNA maturation and stability; alternative promoters and splicing expand the range of transcripts a gene can produce. Noncoding RNAs can inhibit translation or promote mRNA degradation. Translation is also regulated, including through initiation control and cap-independent mechanisms. Finally, post-translational modifications and protein degradation affect protein function and abundance. Together, these layers integrate cellular and external signals.
What you'll learn
- Outline the flow of information from DNA through RNA to protein.
- Distinguish major DNA and chromatin features that regulate transcription.
- Describe how mRNA processing, stability, and noncoding RNAs affect gene expression.
- Identify key mechanisms of translational and post-translational regulation.
- Explain how multiple regulatory layers integrate cellular signals.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
