My Biology Thread

[alchemy]

Need to get this thread moving again  .

"How do genes express themselves?"
Also, how can this be explained as concise and as relevantly as possible? I find there seems to be too much to explain in the realm of gene expression.

[Scooby]

Need to get this thread moving again  .

"How do genes express themselves?"
Also, how can this be explained as concise and as relevantly as possible? I find there seems to be too much to explain in the realm of gene expression.

When a gene has been transcribed and translated we say that it has been "expressed."
Some genes are continuously expressed; others are expressed only in response to a hormone or something like that. Not all the genes in a cell are going to be active all the time. Some are going to be "switched on" and others "switched off." Which genes are active depends on a wide range of possible factors. The rate at which a gene is expressed can also be increased or decreased

[alchemy]

When a gene has been transcribed and translated we say that it has been "expressed."
Some genes are continuously expressed; others are expressed only in response to a hormone or something like that. Not all the genes in a cell are going to be active all the time. Some are going to be "switched on" and others "switched off." Which genes are active depends on a wide range of possible factors. The rate at which a gene is expressed can also be increased or decreased

So if we describe transcription & translation mainly, and mention the rate of gene expression can vary, that should be sufficient?

[Yacoubb]

So if we describe transcription & translation mainly, and mention the rate of gene expression can vary, that should be sufficient?

Part of gene regulation is the fact that genes are only transcribed (and thus specific proteins are only synthesised) when and where they are needed, to save energy! It would be a colossal waste of energy to synthesise proteins in cells that are not required.

[Scooby]

So if we describe transcription & translation mainly, and mention the rate of gene expression can vary, that should be sufficient?

You're never gonna be asked that in an exam or non-dodgy SAC, but yeah

[alchemy]

From Wikipedia:

Biosynthesis (also called biogenesis or anabolism) is a multi-step, enzyme-catalyzed process where substrates are converted into more complex products.

I'm slightly confused by "substrates being converted into more complex products". What exactly does this mean? I thought substrates only served the purpose of interacting with enzymes to allow its function.

[Yacoubb]

From Wikipedia:
I'm slightly confused by "substrates being converted into more complex products". What exactly does this mean? I thought substrates only served the purpose of interacting with enzymes to allow its function.

In anabolic enzyme reactions, substrate molecules (small ones) bind to the active site of an enzyme, existing bonds in them are weakened and new bonds are created between the substrate molecules to form larger, more complex molecules.