Gene Expression - Emily
Storyboard Text
- (Sorry, this cell has nothing to do with gene expression, nor does the next one!)
- MIMS Middle School
- Good morning students! This is your principal, Mrs. Robinson! (blah blah blah)
- (There are way more students than shown here!)
- Hello students. Today we're going to learn about......GENE EXPRESSION
- Gene expression is the process by which the genetic code of a gene is used to direct protein synthesis and produce the structures of the cell. It is a tightly regulated process that allows cells to respond to its changing environment. The 2 steps involved in making a protein is by transcription & translation. There are many factors that can impact gene expression, like temperature, genetic makeup, exposure to harmful substances, etc. Genes encode proteins, and proteins dictate cell function, so that thousands of genes expressed in a particular cell determine what that cell can do.
- An example of gene expression is in Siamese cats. Siamese cats have a mutation in the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the production of melanin. This mutation results in tyrosinase becoming heat sensitive, so it fails to work at a normal body temperature. However, it is activated at lower temperatures, meaning cooler parts of the body, for example, their tail, paws, & face become darker due to the increased melanin.
- Another example of gene expression is in grey seals. When seal pups are born, they are covered in silky, white, non waterproof fur. Over the next month or so, they feed from their mother, developing their waterproof, grey adult pelts, and gain around 40kg before leaving to fish for themselves. The transition of adult pelt from baby fur is brought about by changes in gene expression in the developing seal.
- The regulation of gene expression conserves energy & space. It would require a lot of energy for an organism to express every gene at all times, so it's more efficient to turn on the genes only when required. Cells would be really big if every protein were expressed. If gene expression is not regulated, it can cause diseases such as cancer. Also, temperature can affect gene expression, because in Siamese cats, the cooler parts of their body become darker than their other parts.
- Class dismissed Bye yall!
Over 30 Million Storyboards Created