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.

Key Concepts

Enhancers

Enhancers are regulatory DNA sequences that, when bound by specific proteins called transcription factors, increase the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene. They can function over long distances and are crucial for the precise control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

Transcriptional Control

Transcriptional control refers to the mechanisms that regulate the transcription of genes into RNA. This process is essential for determining which genes are expressed in a cell at any given time, influencing cellular function and identity. Enhancers play a significant role in this regulation by interacting with promoters to enhance transcription.

Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

Eukaryotic gene regulation is more complex than that of prokaryotes, involving multiple layers such as enhancers, silencers, and various transcription factors. In prokaryotes, gene expression is primarily controlled at the promoter level, while eukaryotes utilize enhancers to fine-tune gene expression, allowing for greater versatility and response to environmental signals.