Question

1_ What is the histone code, and how does it influence gene expression in eukaryotes?

2) Genes whose proteins bind DNA and influence gene regulation are?

Answer 1

Answer 1. As we chromatin is tightly bound structure and is usually not permissive for the transcription of genes. When chromatin is loosely packed then only transcription factors and other proteins can bind to carry out gene expression. Chromatin opening and closing is carried out by remodeling complexes. Placements of acetyl and methyl group decides the chromatin remodeling. The gene expression effect of histone modification placements is called the histone code. In Eukaryotes as explained above methylation of a gene results in inactivation of that gene. This chromatin remodeling by removing and adding methyl and acetyl group is the mechanism that influences the gene expression in eukaryotes.

Answer 2. Genes whose proteins bind DNA and influence gene regulation are known as Transcription factors. Transcription factors include activators, enhancers and repressors.