Gene expression
In all organisms, there are two major steps separating a protein-coding gene from its protein: first, the [DNA]Create? on which the gene resides must be transcribed from [DNA]Create? to messenger RNA (mRNA), and second, it must be translated from mRNA to protein. RNA-coding genes must still go through the first step, but are not translated into protein. The process of producing a biologically functional [molecule]Create? of either RNA or protein is called gene expression, and the resulting [molecule]Create? itself is called a [gene product]Create?.
Gene expression is the process by which inheritable information from a gene, such as the [DNA]Create? sequence, is made into a functional [gene product]Create?, such as protein or RNA.
Several steps in the gene expression process may be modulated, including the transcription step and translation step and the post-translational modification of a protein. Gene regulation gives the [cell]Create? control over structure and function, and is the basis for cellular differentiation, morphogenesis and the versatility and adaptability of any organism. Gene regulation may also serve as a substrate for evolutionary change, since control of the timing, location, and amount of gene expression can have a profound effect on the functions (actions) of the gene in the organism.
Non-protein coding genes (e.g. rRNA genes, tRNA genes) are transcribed, but not translated into protein.
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