Genes def:

-segments of DNA which can be transcripted and translated to produce RNA & proteins.
-Other segments of DNA which can’t encode the information- Intergenic sequence
-the packaging of DNA into chromatin and its modification by methylation impart
further levels of complexity to the control of eukaryotic gene expression.

-The area of gene on a chromosome-locus

-Alternative forms of gene on a homologous chromosome- allele

Structure of the gene in Human

- The human genome is made up of DNA (deoxyribose

nucleic acid) which is a double stranded molecule made
up of repeating units of deoxyribose (a sugar), a
phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases
which can be adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) or
cytosine (C) making what is known as a nucleotide
Not all genes are regulated.
Two types of genes ( according to expression pattern)
● Constitutive/ Non-regulated genes- encode products necessary for
basic cellular functions and are continually expressed.( Housekeeping
in genes) eg. Ubiquitin, enzymes for citric acid cycle/ glycolysis
● Inducible/ Regulated genes- expressed only under certain conditions
in all cells or only in a subset of cells. Eg. immunoglobulin genes in
lymphocytes

Gene consists of two regions

1. Structural region- Exons( Coding regions ) for protein synthesis
Introns ( Non-coding regions) , intervening
sequences which take part as structural and regulatory role
 2. Regulatory region-

-basal expression

- Basal expression region is composed of proximal component or TATA

box and upstream element or CAAT box. In mammals, the exact
sequence in TATA box is slightly different (TATAAA) and is known as
Goldberg-Hogness box. This signal sequence located at -25 to -30
position indicates the start site. Further upstream, between -70 and
-80, there is another sequence known as CAAT box and some contain
a GC box.

- TATA box directs the DNA polymerase to the transcription start point
- CAAT box specifies the rate of transcription
Enhancers increase the rate of transcription
Silencer decreases the rate of transcription

-Regulated expression

Regulated expression region contains enhancer element and silencer

element. They have been found in a variety of locations several kilo bases
away on both upstream or downstream of the gene. Enhancer region leads
to increase rate of gene expression and silencer region makes decreasing
the rate of gene expression. These regions respond to various signals such
as hormones, chemicals and metals.
- Promoters and enhancers are the primary genomic regulatory components
of gene expression.