In this article we will discuss about the discovery and evolution of split genes. Discovery of Split Genes: During 1970, in some mammalian viruses (e.g. adenoviruses) it was found that the DNA sequences coding for a polypeptide were not present continuously but were split into several pieces. Therefore, these genes were variously named as split genes or introns, interrupted genes [...]
In this article we will discuss about the concept and units of genes. Concept of Gene: Although the role of hereditary units (factors) in transfer of genetic characters over several generations in organisms was advocated by Gregor John Mendel, yet the mystery of the 'hereditary units' was un-ravelled during early 1900s. In 1909, W. Johanson coined the term 'gene' that [...]
In this article we will discuss about the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The DNA of a microbial cell consists of genes, a few to thousands, which do not express at the same time. At a particular time only a few genes express and synthesize the desired protein. The other genes remain silent at this moment and [...]