Regulation of Gene Expression
Regulation of Gene
Expression
In Principles of Development we will see how the orderly differentiation of an organism from fertilized ovum to adult requires the involvement of genetic material at every stage of development. Developmental biologists have provided convincing evidence that every cell in a developing embryo is genetically equivalent. Thus it is clear that as tissues differentiate (change developmentally), they use only a part of the genetic instruction present in every cell. Certain genes express themselves only at certain times and not at others. Indeed, there is reason to believe that in a particular cell or tissue, most of the genes are inactive at any given moment. The problem in development is to explain how, if every cell has a full gene complement, certain genes are “turned on” and produce proteins that are required for a particular developmental stage while the other genes remain silent.
Actually, although the developmental process brings the question of gene activation clearly into focus, gene regulation is necessary throughout an organism’s existence. The cellular enzyme systems that control all functional processes obviously require genetic regulation because enzymes have powerful effects even in minute amounts. Enzyme synthesis must be responsive to the influences of supply and demand.
In Principles of Development we will see how the orderly differentiation of an organism from fertilized ovum to adult requires the involvement of genetic material at every stage of development. Developmental biologists have provided convincing evidence that every cell in a developing embryo is genetically equivalent. Thus it is clear that as tissues differentiate (change developmentally), they use only a part of the genetic instruction present in every cell. Certain genes express themselves only at certain times and not at others. Indeed, there is reason to believe that in a particular cell or tissue, most of the genes are inactive at any given moment. The problem in development is to explain how, if every cell has a full gene complement, certain genes are “turned on” and produce proteins that are required for a particular developmental stage while the other genes remain silent.
Actually, although the developmental process brings the question of gene activation clearly into focus, gene regulation is necessary throughout an organism’s existence. The cellular enzyme systems that control all functional processes obviously require genetic regulation because enzymes have powerful effects even in minute amounts. Enzyme synthesis must be responsive to the influences of supply and demand.
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