The functioning of enhancers is an example of
A) transcriptional control of gene expression.
B) a post-transcriptional mechanism to regulate mRNA.
C) the stimulation of translation by initiation factors.
D) post-translational control that activates certain proteins.
E) a eukaryotic equivalent of prokaryotic promoter functioning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enhancers are DNA sequences that bind to transcription factors to enhance the transcription of a specific gene. This is an example of transcriptional control of gene expression, where the rate of transcription is regulated by the binding of specific transcription factors to DNA regulatory elements.

B, C, and D are incorrect because enhancers operate at the transcriptional level, not post-transcriptionally, translationally, or post-translationally.

E is incorrect because enhancers are not equivalent to prokaryotic promoters. Enhancers are specific DNA sequences that can be located distant from the gene they regulate, and they require transcription factors to bind to them and activate transcription of the associated gene. Prokaryotic promoters, on the other hand, are located near the start site of transcription and bind to RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.

The Functioning of Enhancers Is an Example of