GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Help with Developmental Proteins

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Help With Developmental Proteins

How do master regulators, which are transcription factors, establish cell subtypes and cell subtype-specific gene expression? 

Possible Answers:

Master regulators bind promoters by not enhancers to initiate specific gene expression

None of the other answers

Master regulators promote active promoter formation by deposition of methyl groups 

Master regulators promote the deposition of methyl or acetyl groups to mark inactive or active enhancers 

Master regulators always promote formation of euchromatin in nucleosome dense regions 

Correct answer:

Master regulators promote the deposition of methyl or acetyl groups to mark inactive or active enhancers 

Explanation:

The correct answer is master regulators promote the deposition of methyl or acetyl groups to mark inactive or active enhancers. Master regulators bind enhancer regions that have been created by pioneer factors to establish the chromatin state of the cell by deposition of methyl or acetyl groups on chromatin. Methylation correlates with inactive enhancers, whereas acetylation correlates with active enhancers. The fingerprint of active/inactive enhancers and its effect on gene expression establishes cell subtypes. Some, but not all master regulators function as pioneer factors to bind nucleosome rich DNA to promote euchromatin formation. 

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors