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Related Concept Videos

Structure of a Gene01:30

Structure of a Gene

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A gene is the fundamental unit of heredity. Every individual has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. Although most people contain the same genes, there is a small fraction that is slightly different amongst people. A gene with a small difference in its sequence of DNA bases forms different alleles, contributing to different phenotypes.
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Prokaryotic genomes exhibit a streamlined organization of coding and non-coding regions essential for gene expression and protein synthesis. While coding regions contain the genetic instructions for proteins or functional RNAs, non-coding regions regulate the precise transcription and translation of these genes.Coding Regions: Proteins and RNAsThe primary coding regions, known as structural genes, include sequences transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and ultimately translated into...
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Within a biological system, the DNA encodes the RNA, and the nucleotide sequence in the RNA further defines the amino acid sequence in the protein. This is referred to as “The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology” - a term coined by Francis Crick.  Central dogma is a firm principle in biology that defines the flow of genetic information within any life form. The two fundamental steps in central dogma are - transcription and translation.
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The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
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Two structural features of the DNA molecule provide a basis for the mechanisms of heredity: the four nucleotide bases and its double-stranded nature. The Watson-Crick model of double-helical DNA structure, proposed in 1952, drew heavily upon the X-ray crystallography work of researchers Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Watson, Crick, and Wilkins jointly received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work in 1962. Franklin was, controversially, excluded from the prize for...
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Imaging Replicative Domains in Ultrastructurally Preserved Chromatin by Electron Tomography
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Gene functioning and storage within a folded genome.

Sergey V Razin1,2, Sergey V Ulianov1,2

  • 1Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Street 34/5, 119334 Moscow, Russia.

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters
|September 2, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Genomic DNA folds into chromatin, influencing gene activity through epigenetic regulation. Modern research questions older models, highlighting self-interacting domains (TADs) as key structural-functional units in gene expression regulation.

Keywords:
Active chromatinEnhancersEpigenetic regulatory mechanismsHi-CSelf-organizationTADs

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Mammalian genomic DNA (2m) is highly compacted within the cell nucleus (10μm) via chromatin assembly.
  • Chromatin structure regulates gene expression by marking active and repressed genes, forming the basis of epigenetic regulation.
  • The traditional hierarchical model of DNA folding (10nm to 30nm fibers, then loops) is being re-evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the modern understanding of DNA packaging in the cell nucleus and its relation to gene expression.
  • To explore mechanisms of chromatin fiber self-assembly into Topologically Associating Domains (TADs).
  • To examine the model where TAD partitioning is dictated by active and inactive chromatin segment distribution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies challenging the regularity of chromatin folding and the existence of 30nm fibers in vivo.
  • Analysis of findings on chromosome partitioning into self-interacting spatial domains (TADs).
  • Discussion of theoretical models for chromatin self-assembly into TADs.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests less regularity in chromatin folding than previously assumed, with questions raised about the in vivo existence of 30nm fibers.
  • Chromosomes are organized into TADs, which act as structural-functional units restricting enhancer activity.
  • A model proposes that the distribution of active and inactive chromatin segments determines TAD organization.

Conclusions:

  • Modern views emphasize TADs as crucial structural-functional domains in chromosomes, impacting gene regulation.
  • The self-assembly of chromatin into TADs is likely influenced by the epigenetic landscape of active and inactive regions.
  • Understanding DNA packaging within TADs is vital for comprehending epigenetic gene regulation.