To say that a gene is expressed means that the information encoded in that gene is being used by the cell to produce a functional product, usually a protein.
What Does Gene Expression Involve?
- Transcription : The DNA sequence of the gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).
- Translation : The mRNA is then used as a template to assemble amino acids into a specific protein.
- Functional Product : The protein produced can perform various functions in the cell, such as enzymes, structural components, or signaling molecules.
In summary:
- Gene expression is the process by which a gene's instructions are converted into a functional product.
- When a gene is "expressed," it is active and producing its corresponding protein or RNA molecule.
- Gene expression is tightly regulated and can vary depending on cell type, developmental stage, or environmental conditions.
If you want, I can explain the steps of gene expression in more detail!
