Household genes are constantly expressed and produce proteins necessary for cellular function. They are present in all cells, and errors in their expression can lead to cell death. Some housekeeping genes increase in expression when cells become malignant. They can be used as a constant in calibrating test systems. Understanding these genes is important in understanding cell function and dysfunction.
Household genes are genes that are always expressed because they produce proteins required for cellular function. In an organism with differentiated cells, it is common for the same household genes to be expressed in each cell, along with some genes that are specific to particular cell types. Hundreds of these genes have been identified in humans and more are constantly being discovered.
The proteins produced by a housekeeping gene vary, but are involved in some way in the processes necessary for a cell to survive. Some may be involved in maintaining cell function, while others may be involved in cell maintenance. These genes tend to produce proteins at constant rates, and errors in their expression can lead to cell death. Like an actual housekeeper, they keep a cell’s vital systems running smoothly so it can continue to function, and they also contribute to the overall function of the larger organism.
While domestic genes were initially believed to be constant, some researchers have shown that the situation is actually a bit more complex. Some genetic research has shown that the expression of some housekeeping genes increases when cells become malignant, suggesting that these genes may be involved in the processes that cause cells to start going crazy. In this case, overexpression of a gene may contribute to the problem, rather than expression of a defective gene.
These genes can also be useful outside the body. When calibrating test systems and establishing baselines, house genes can be used as a constant, because they should always be present and should always have the same levels. If the constant is not consistent, it suggests that there may be a problem with the sample or process used, in which case you may need to start over with a procedure such as polymerase chain reaction sequencing.
Geneticists are interested in the housekeeping genes that are part of the genome, and these genes are also topics of interest to researchers studying cell physiology. Understanding the complex reactions and gene expression involved in a cell’s function is an important first step in understanding why cells sometimes develop problems such as multiplying too quickly, dying or not functioning as they should. These researchers can use a variety of tools to identify domesticated genes and explore their functions.
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