gene Related Biological Terms

The second Filial generation, produced by selfing or intercrossing the F1.

offspring generation. F1 is the first offspring or Filial generation; F2 is the second; and so on. Successive generations of progeny in a controlled series of crosses, starting with two specific parents (the P generation) and selfing or intercrossing the progeny of each new (F1; F2; . . . ) generation.

Forward genetics is a classical genetic approach where one starts with a mutation phenotype and works toward identifying the mutated gene. Forward genetics is a molecular genetics approach to determining the genetic basis responsible for a phenotype. Forward genetics methods begin with identifying a phenotype and finding or creating model organisms that display the characteristic being studied. Forward genetics is a powerful approach to elucidate critical biological phenomena that cannot be predicted from the function of known genes. Forward genetics or phenotype-based screens involve mutagenesis using chemicals or irradiation to induce DNA lesions at random, followed by phenotypic characterization of the progeny of mutagenized mice to identify anomalies potentially caused by these induced lesions. In contrast to gene-driven approaches such as targeted mutagenesis, forward genetic screens are phenotype-driven and do not depend on any a priori assumption regarding underlying molecular mechanisms.

A hybrid gene created by joining portions of two different genes (to produce a new protein) or by joining a gene to a different promoter (to alter or regulate gene transcription).

The process of activation of a gene so that it is expressed at a particular time and location.

development of cDNA microarrays from a large number of genes. Used to monitor and measure changes in gene expression for each gene represented on the chip.

The production of a Lineage of cells all of which contain one kind of DNA fragment of interest derived from a population of many kinds of DNA fragments. Operationally by: inserting (recombining) a population of DNA molecules, known to contain the DNA of interest, into a population of vector DNA molecules in such a way that each vector molecule contains only a single DNA molecule from the original population; transforming a population of Host cells with the vector DNA recombinants such that each Host cell takes up only one vector; growing single Host cells separately (cloning) by plating at low density to form a collection of separate colonies; screening the colonies (clones) formed for the presence of the DNA of interest. GenScript offers cloning services so you can free yourself from routine gene cloning.

The number of copies of a particular gene present in the genome.

Gene expression is the process by which information encoded in a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically a protein or RNA molecule. It is a fundamental process in biology that governs the flow of genetic information from DNA to the functional products that carry out various cellular functions. Gene expression is tightly regulated and plays a critical role in determining an organism's traits, functions, and responses to its environment. Here are the key components and steps involved in gene expression: 1. Transcription: The first step in gene expression is transcription, where the information encoded in a specific gene's DNA sequence is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. This process is catalyzed by an enzyme called RNA polymerase. The resulting RNA molecule is known as messenger RNA (mRNA). 2. Processing of mRNA: In eukaryotic cells (organisms with a defined nucleus), the newly synthesized mRNA undergoes several modifications, including the removal of introns (non-coding regions) and the addition of a 5' cap and a 3' poly-A tail. These modifications are essential for mRNA stability and proper translation. 3. Transport of mRNA: Mature mRNA molecules are transported from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs. In prokaryotic cells (organisms without a defined nucleus), transcription and translation happen in the same cellular compartment. 4. Translation: Translation is the second major step in gene expression, where the information in mRNA is decoded to synthesize a protein. It takes place at cellular structures called ribosomes. During translation, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carrying specific amino acids bind to the mRNA, following the sequence of codons (three-nucleotide sequences) on the mRNA molecule. This process results in the assembly of a polypeptide chain, which will fold into a functional protein. 5. Post-translational Modifications: After translation, many proteins undergo additional modifications, such as phosphorylation, glycosylation, or cleavage, to become fully functional. 6. Protein Function: The final product of gene expression is typically a functional protein that carries out specific cellular functions. Proteins can serve as enzymes, structural components, transporters, receptors, and regulators, among other roles. Gene expression is a highly regulated process that allows cells to respond to various signals, adapt to changing conditions, and perform their specialized functions. The regulation of gene expression is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, development, tissue differentiation, and responses to environmental cues. Disruptions in gene expression regulation can lead to various diseases, including cancer, genetic disorders, and metabolic conditions. Understanding the mechanisms that govern gene expression is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology and has significant implications for biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. Related Service • Webinar: Expression vectors: how to choose, or customize, vectors for gene & protein expression • GenScript learning resources: PCR Troubleshooting Guide: https://www.genscript.com/pcr-troubleshooting-guide.html

A set of genes in one genome all descended from the same ancestral gene. A group of genes that has arisen by duplication of an ancestral gene. The genes in the family may or may not have diverged from each other.