AP Biology

Advanced Placement Biology course covering cellular processes, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Cellular Structure and FunctionCellular Processes and EnergyGenetics and Heredity
Gene Expression and RegulationEvolution and Natural SelectionEcological Interactions and Ecosystems
Biotechnology in Medicine and AgricultureConservation Biology and Environmental StewardshipGenetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
Mastering Free-Response QuestionsEffective Use of Diagrams and Models
Cellular Structure a...Cellular Processes a...Genetics and Heredit...Gene Expression and ...Evolution and Natura...Ecological Interacti...Biotechnology in Med...Conservation Biology...Genetic Testing and ...Mastering Free-Respo...Effective Use of Dia...
Advanced Topics

Gene Expression and Regulation

Turning Genes On and Off

Not all genes are active at all times. Cells control which genes are expressed, allowing them to adapt and specialize.

How Gene Regulation Works

  • Transcription Factors: Proteins that turn genes on or off.
  • Epigenetics: Chemical modifications to DNA or histones that affect gene activity without changing the DNA sequence.

Importance of Regulation

Proper gene regulation ensures that cells develop correctly and function normally. Errors can lead to diseases like cancer.

Modern Science

  • CRISPR technology allows scientists to edit genes, offering hope for treating genetic disorders.
  • Understanding epigenetics is leading to breakthroughs in cancer therapies.

Examples

  • Liver cells and nerve cells have the same DNA but express different genes.

  • Cancer can result from genes that fail to turn off cell division.

In a Nutshell

Gene regulation lets cells specialize and adapt, and is central to health and disease.

Key Terms

Epigenetics
Study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence.
Transcription Factor
A protein that controls the rate at which genetic information is transcribed.
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Evolution and Natural Selection