The UG4 gene is expressed in stem tissue and leaf tissue of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. To study mechanisms regulating UG4 expression, six small deletions of DNA sequence upstream of the gene-coding sequence are made. The locations of deletions and their effect on UG4 expression are shown here. Explain the differential effects of deletions B and F on expression in the two tissues.

Key Concepts

Gene Expression Regulation

Gene expression regulation involves various mechanisms that control the timing and level of gene expression. This can include transcription factors, enhancers, and silencers that interact with DNA sequences to either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene. Understanding these regulatory elements is crucial for analyzing how specific deletions can affect gene expression in different tissues.

Promoter and Enhancer Regions

Promoter and enhancer regions are specific DNA sequences located upstream of a gene that play a critical role in initiating transcription. Promoters are typically located immediately adjacent to the gene, while enhancers can be located further away. Deletions in these regions can disrupt the binding of transcription factors, leading to differential expression of the gene in various tissues, such as stem and leaf tissue in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Tissue-Specific Expression

Tissue-specific expression refers to the phenomenon where certain genes are expressed in specific tissues or developmental stages. This is often regulated by the presence of unique transcription factors or regulatory elements that are active only in certain tissues. Analyzing how deletions B and F affect UG4 expression in stem versus leaf tissue can reveal insights into the mechanisms that govern tissue-specific gene regulation.