Non-coding DNA and Gene Expression Flashcards

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What is non-coding DNA?

Non-coding DNA is DNA that does not carry instructions to make a protein.

What is meant by gene expression?

Gene expression is when the information in a gene is used to make a protein.

What does coding DNA do?

Coding DNA gives the instructions for the order of amino acids in a protein.

How can non-coding DNA affect gene expression?

Some non-coding DNA controls whether a gene is switched on or off, so it affects if a protein is made.

What is a gene ‘switch’?

A gene switch is a short region of non-coding DNA that controls whether a gene is turned on or off.

Why do different body cells express different genes, even though they have the same DNA?

Different cells switch different genes on and off, so they make different proteins.

What can happen if there is a mutation in non-coding DNA that controls a gene?

A mutation can change how often, when or where the gene is expressed.

How can a mutation in non-coding DNA change an organism’s phenotype?

It can change how much of a protein is made, which can alter a visible trait or characteristic.

Does all non-coding DNA have a known function?

No. Some non-coding DNA controls gene expression, but other sections have no known function yet.