GENE EXPRESSION DURING DEVELOPMENT

The process by which different cells express

different genes depending on their needs is called differential gene expression.

In the zygote only a few genes are active.
Some genes are inactive which are activated by

signal proteins in the cytoplasm of the ovum.

These genes regulate other genes. The composition of the signal molecules determines

the fate of the cell.

 Specialization is either due to uneven

distribution of cytoplasmic determinants in the unfertilized ovum or due to cell signal molecules.
After fertilization , the resulting nuclei

formed due to mitosis are exposed to different cytoplasmic surroundings.

Molecules in the extra cellular environment

act as signals.

Differential gene expression in plants

When a plant starts to flower, cells in the meristem

become specialized to form the organs that make up the flower.

The expression of genes in cells across the meristem

determines which structures will form.

Three genes are there to determine the specialization. (A, B,C)

 Sepals - if only gene A is expressed. Carpel- if only gene C is expressed

Petals both genes A and B are expressed.

Stamen- genes B and C are expressed.

These genes produce mRNA that codes for signal protein which switch on appropriate genes. This results in the development of specialized cells in floral organ.

Differential gene expression in animals

Example: Drosophila

Master genes control the development of each segment and the structures in that . The master gene produce mRNA which is translated into signal proteins. These proteins switch on the genes responsible for producing the proteins needed for developing structures in each segment. Bicoid (signal protein for the anterior end)head and thorax Nanos (signal protein for the posterior end) abdomen

Example in mammal When a particular cell in a mammalian embryo activate the gene for the protein MyoD, they start to produce MyoD protein and the cell will become a muscle cell