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Gene expression is the process of using information from a gene to create a functional gene product. This product can then produce end products, such as proteins or non-coding RNA, which can affect a phenotype.
Gene expression involves transcribing genes into mRNAs, and then translating the mRNAs into proteins. The central dogma of molecular biology describes the directional flow of information during the expression of a protein-coding gene. This flow goes from DNA to RNA to protein. Gene expression is important because a specific protein can only be produced when its gene is turned on. It is also vital for maintaining normal cellular structure and function, and is the basis for developmental changes.
Only a fraction of the genes in a cell are expressed at any one time.
Topics include: Transcription, Ribosomal RNA & tRNA, Messenger RNA, Regulation & Silencing, Genetic Code Properties, Genetic Code Decoding, & Translation.
Related: Cell Biology Practice Test: Nature of Genome
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