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Prokaryotic Gene Expression definitions

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  • Nucleoid
    Region in prokaryotic cells where DNA is located and both transcription and translation occur, lacking a surrounding membrane.
  • Cytoplasm
    Cellular compartment in prokaryotes where transcription and translation take place simultaneously, enabling efficient gene expression.
  • Sigma Factor
    Protein that binds to promoter sequences, guiding RNA polymerase to initiate transcription of specific genes in prokaryotes.
  • Promoter
    DNA sequence recognized by sigma factors, serving as the binding site for RNA polymerase to start transcription.
  • RNA Polymerase
    Enzyme recruited by sigma factors to synthesize mRNA from a DNA template during transcription in prokaryotes.
  • Messenger RNA
    Molecule transcribed from DNA that serves as the template for protein synthesis during translation; lacks introns in prokaryotes.
  • Ribosome
    Molecular machine that binds to mRNA in the cytoplasm, translating its sequence into a protein, often before mRNA synthesis is complete.
  • Polycistronic mRNA
    Single mRNA molecule carrying multiple genes, each with its own start and stop codon, common in prokaryotes.
  • Monocistronic mRNA
    mRNA molecule containing only one gene, typical in eukaryotes but also produced by prokaryotes.
  • Spacer
    Non-coding sequence found between genes on polycistronic mRNA, not to be confused with introns.
  • Exon
    Coding sequence present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic mRNA; in prokaryotes, mRNA consists only of these regions.
  • Introns
    Non-coding sequences found within eukaryotic genes but absent in prokaryotic mRNA, requiring removal during RNA processing.
  • Alternative Sigma Factor
    Protein variant that recognizes different promoters, enabling expression of specific gene groups under unique conditions.
  • Standard Sigma Factor
    Protein responsible for initiating transcription of genes needed for routine growth in prokaryotes.
  • Heat Shock Protein
    Protective protein expressed in response to elevated temperatures, requiring specific sigma factors for gene activation.