PrfA protein is a global regulator of virulence genes in Listeria,a bacterium that can cause severe food poisoning.Below host body temperatures PrfA mRNA exists in a conformation that hides the ribosome binding site.Upon entry into a host and a rise in temperature,hydrogen bonds in the mRNA break,exposing the ribosome binding site.What level of gene regulation is seen here?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of translation control, as the regulation occurs at the level of mRNA translation, where the ribosome binding site is exposed or hidden depending on the temperature. The DNA sequence has not changed, and the regulation is not occurring at the level of transcription or posttranslational modification.

PrfA Protein Is a Global Regulator of Virulence Genes in Listeria,a