Regulatory genes control gene expression and can activate or suppress genes in response to environmental pressures. They are involved in cell differentiation and are identified by studying the genome and the proteins they code for.
A regulatory gene is a gene that determines whether genes will be expressed or not. Also known as regulatory genes, some regulatory genes are concerned with a specific gene, while others may manage a group of related genes. These genes are produced by all organisms and are an important part of the checks and balances system used to moderate gene expression so that an organism operates effectively and efficiently.
In some cases, a regulatory gene acts as an activator, activating a gene or group of genes so that expression can occur. The gene regulator can respond to environmental pressures, such as when an activator in a bacterium turns on a gene for antibiotic resistance when the organism is close to antibiotics. In complex multicellular organisms, regulatory genes are involved in the process of cell differentiation, determining what a cell will develop into. This allows organisms to have a great diversity in cell types, producing everything from neurons to skin cells.
Other genes act as repressors, turning genes off so they can’t express themselves. Like activators, suppressants can kick in in response to a number of different things, including environmental pressures and the demands of embryonic development. These genes can do things like prevent RNA from being transcribed so that the genetic material can’t be used. This type of gene regulator can also act to suppress a harmful gene, maintaining a healthy body.
Like other genes, regulatory genes contain information that is used to code for proteins. They are transcribed into RNA, which is used by cells to build the proteins these genes are designed to express. Once created, the protein can act in various ways on the genetic material inside the cell, depending on what it is intended to do. For example, a regulatory gene might make a protein that latches onto a section of DNA so it can’t be transcribed.
The identification of regulatory genes is done by studying the genome, finding specific genes, looking at the proteins they code for, and studying the effect of these proteins. Researchers working with organisms like fruit flies can do things like turn genes off or on, and then look at the results to learn more about what those genes do. In organisms such as humans, where genetic manipulation is not considered ethical, researchers can compare genetic information among many humans to look for commonalities and differences, using this information to narrow down the function of specific genes.
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