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Gene expression

Concept

Cells use genetic information to produce functional RNA and, for many genes, proteins.

Explanation or usage

For protein-coding genes, transcription produces an RNA transcript from DNA information, and translation uses messenger RNA to assemble a polypeptide. Regulation at several stages can change how much product is made. Not every gene encodes a protein, and copying DNA for cell division is a different process.

Common misunderstandings

Transcription makes a protein directly.

Every gene encodes a protein.

In Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology E-Book (Guyton Physiology)

General context reviewed · book attribution and sources pending

Topic context: genetic control of protein synthesis and cell function.

Linked books

Practice this item

How can many cell types with essentially the same inherited genome develop different functions? For a protein-coding gene, which sequence correctly connects DNA information to a polypeptide?