How do gibberellins affect DELLA proteins, and how does this impact germination?
Gibberellins cause the breakdown of DELLA protein repressors.
This allows transcription factors to bind to DNA and initiate transcription of the gene that codes for amylase. This increases the synthesis of amylase, which breaks down starchy food stores in seeds, helping seeds germinate.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
What is the function of DELLA proteins in plants?
DELLA proteins are repressor proteins that inhibit transcription factors from binding to DNA, thus preventing transcription of certain genes.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
What are transcription factors?
Transcription factors are proteins that bind to DNA and control gene expression in eukaryotes by decreasing or increasing the rate of transcription.
Effectively, transcription factors can switch the transcription of a gene off or on.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
What happens when a gene is 'switched off'?
Transcription factors cannot bind to DNA, preventing transcription and polypeptide synthesis.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
What initiates the process of gene transcription?
Transcription is initiated by transcription factors binding to specific DNA sequences.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.
How does mRNA relate to transcription?
mRNA is produced during transcription, carrying the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome.
Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.