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Ch. 18 - Regulation of Gene Expression
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 12th EditionCh. 18 - Regulation of Gene ExpressionProblem 2
Chapter 18, Problem 2

Muscle cells differ from nerve cells mainly because they
a. Express different genes.
b. Contain different genes.
c. Use different genetic codes.
d. Have unique ribosomes.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that all cells in an organism contain the same DNA, which means they have the same set of genes.
Recognize that different cell types, such as muscle cells and nerve cells, perform different functions and therefore need to produce different proteins.
Realize that the difference in function is due to the expression of different genes, not the presence of different genes.
Gene expression involves the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, usually a protein.
Conclude that muscle cells and nerve cells differ mainly because they express different genes, allowing them to produce the proteins necessary for their specific functions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Gene Expression

Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins. This process determines the cell's structure and function, allowing muscle cells and nerve cells to express different sets of genes, leading to their distinct characteristics and roles in the body.
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Introduction to Regulation of Gene Expression

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a set of rules used by living cells to translate information encoded within genetic material (DNA or mRNA sequences) into proteins. It is nearly universal across organisms, meaning that muscle and nerve cells use the same genetic code, but they interpret and express it differently based on their specific needs.
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Cell Differentiation

Cell differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. This process is crucial for the development of different cell types, such as muscle and nerve cells, which arise from the same genetic material but differentiate through the selective expression of genes, leading to their unique functions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

If a particular operon encodes enzymes for making an essential amino acid and is regulated like the trp operon, then

a. The amino acid inactivates the repressor.

b. The repressor is active in the absence of the amino acid.

c. The amino acid acts as a corepressor.

d. The amino acid turns on transcription of the operon.

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Textbook Question

The functioning of enhancers is an example of

a. A eukaryotic equivalent of prokaryotic promoter functioning.

b. Transcriptional control of gene expression.

c. The stimulation of translation by initiation factors.

d. Post-translational control that activates certain proteins.

Textbook Question

Cell differentiation always involves

a. Transcription of the myoD gene.

b. The movement of cells.

c. The production of tissue-specific proteins.

d. The selective loss of certain genes from the genome.

Textbook Question

Which of the following is an example of post-transcriptional control of gene expression?

a. The addition of methyl groups to cytosine bases of DNA

b. The binding of transcription factors to a promoter

c. The removal of introns and alternative splicing of exons

d. Gene amplification contributing to cancer