Gene Expression

“Switching genes on and off”

 Multiple alleles
• This is when there are three or more alleles for a
specific locus
• In diploid organisms, a gene can only be
represented twice – i.e. one allele of the gene on
each corresponding locus of the homologous
chromosome pair concerned
• The number of phenotypes will depend on the
number of alleles and what type of dominance
(dominance / codominance) is shown
 The ABO blood group system
• The gene locus is represented
by I (isohaemagglutinogen) and
determines which form of
antigen is present on the surface
of the red blood cells.
• There are three alleles: IA, IB and
IO
• IA and IB are codominant and
code for slightly different
antigens
• IO is recessive to both IA and IB
and produces no antigens
ABO blood group genotypes and
phenotypes
Genotype Phenotype
IAIA A
IA IO A
I B IB B
IB IO B
I A IB AB
IO IO O
 Epistasis
• The product of one gene may affect the
phenotypic expression of another gene

• You usually estimate results by using a

dihybrid cross

• Examples to follow:
 Gene interaction between two
unlinked genes (polygenes)
• Gene interaction can occur where a single characteristic is
controlled by two or more unlinked genes.
• Comb shape in domestic poultry is determined by a dominant allele
P which gives rise to a ‘pea’ comb and another dominant allele R
which gives rise to a ‘rose’ comb.
• Poultry homozygous for P or R bred true, but if both dominant
alleles were inherited, a new form of comb, the ‘walnut’ was
produced.
• The double recessive, pprr, resulted in a single comb. In a cross
involving PPrr and ppRR, all the offspring had walnut combs and
the genotype PpRr.
• Interbreeding amongst the F1 resulted in offspring in the ratio 9
walnut: 3 pea: 3 rose: 1 single, i.e. the typical dihybrid ratio, as each
gene was inherited independently of the other.
Gene interaction between two
unlinked genes (polygenes)

P1
X

PPrr ppRR
Pea comb Rose comb

F1

PpRr
Walnut comb
Gene interaction between two
unlinked genes (polygenes)

F1
X

F2

Walnut comb Pea comb Rose comb Single comb

 Gene interaction between two
unlinked genes (polygenes)
• There are other examples of this type of gene interaction
where the ratios are different, but there still seem to be
sixteen genotypes.
• Other examples include the control of flower colour in
sweet peas (ratio of 9 coloured: 7 white) and coat colour
in mice (ratio 9 agouti: 3 black: 4 albino).
• In both these examples, one gene hides the
expression of another gene. In the sweet peas, the
dominant allele of both genes is required to produce
coloured flowers.
• In the mice, at least one dominant allele for the gene for
pigment development must be inherited for there to be a
coloured coat.
 Barr Bodies and X chromosome
inactivation
• One X chromosome is inactivated in every
female cell by super-coiling of the genetic
material – known as a Barr Body

• First observed by Barr and Bertram in

1949

• Occurs randomly – hence speckled

appearance of tortoiseshell cats
 You should be able to:
• Explain how blood groups are decided
• Explain what epistasis is and give
examples
• Explain how X inactivation leads to
expression of differing phenotypes in cats
 Genes and the environment
• Genotypes provide a blueprint that
determines the limits within which an
organism will develop
• The degree of expression of a gene is
often dependent upon environmental
factors
 Examples
• Siamese cats

• Himalayan rabbits

• Arctic foxes
Siamese cats/Himalayan rabbits
• Have genes that code for a heat sensitive
form of tyrosinase which is involved in
melanin production.
• This gene does not function above 33C
• Extremities are colder than the body, so
that is why they are darker
 Arctic foxes
• Have alleles to produce pigmented coats

• The pigment is only produced in warm

temperatures

• Absence of pigment = white coat

• By winter, no pigment is produced so the fox is

better camouflaged
 Does this apply to humans?
• Think about this statement, and give your
view

• Justify with examples

 Environment and biochemistry
• E.coli and the lac operon is the example
that you need to know
 Lac operon
• E.coli needs to produce proteins

• Some proteins are made continuously,

however others are only made when
needed
 What is the lac operon
• The lac operon is an operon (a unit of key
gene sequences) required for the transport
and metabolism of lactose in E.coli
• Consists of 3 structural genes, a promoter,
and an operator
 When is it needed?
• In its natural environment, lac operon is a
used to digest lactose efficiently.
• The cell can use lactose as an energy
source, but it must produce the enzyme β-
galactosidase to hydrolyse it into glucose
• It would be inefficient to produce enzymes
when there is no lactose available, or if
there is a more readily-available energy
source available (e.g. glucose)
 Continued…..
• The lac operon uses a control mechanism
to ensure that the cell expends energy
producing β-galactosidase, galactose
permease and transacetylase only when
necessary (ie when there is no glucose,
and only lactose is available)
 Inducer
( Lactose)