Topic 5 - Learning Outcomes

Topic 5.1 - Gene Transcription Describe how transcription factors control transcription, and be able to give examples of specific transcription factors and their functions. Use databases to identify the expression pattern of individual transcription factors in a defined cell type, and identify transcription factor target motifs within a gene sequence. Describe a number of techniques which are used to determine how proteins interact with DNA and/or with other proteins. Understand the roles of histones, chromatin structure and DNA methylation in controlling the accessibility of DNA for transcription factors. Describe how RNA transcripts are spliced to produce mRNA. Explain, using examples, how differential RNA splicing can produce isoforms from a single gene. Describe processes involved in quality control of mRNA within a cell.

Topic 5.2 - Synthesis and Fate of Proteins Describe how mRNA is translated into protein. Describe several processes that ensure fidelity in translation. Explain how signal sequences direct protein localisation to the nucleus, mitochondrion or endoplasmic reticulum. Describe how glycoproteins are formed. Explain how chaperones and glycosylation contribute to quality control in protein synthesis. Give examples of post-translational modifications of proteins that occur at the time of synthesis. Describe the main intracellular traffic pathways, including those for protein synthesis, secretion, endocytosis, transcytosis and breakdown. List the main type of intracellular vesicle and describe how they are involved in carrying molecules around the cell. Describe the functions of families of molecules involved in vesicular traffic, including coat proteins, the Rab family of G-proteins, SNARES and motor proteins. Describe the various routes by which proteins are degraded within cells, including the function of the proteasome and the lysosome. Describe the role of ubiquitin in controlling protein breakdown and the function of SUMO in controlling protein activity.

Topic 5.3 - RNAs beyond the Codon Outline the main roles of non-protein-coding RNAs within cells. Explain, using examples, how miRNA and piRNAs are generated and how they exert their effects upon translation, transcription and DNA rearrangements within a cell. Provide examples that describe how non-coding RNAs are used by bacterial systems to protect against infective agents. Outline how organisms establish differential patterns of transcription between cells and tissues across generations through chromatin modulation, RNA partitioning and genomic imprinting. Discuss evolutionary aspects of non-coding RNAs, including providing examples of evolutionarily conserved RNAs.