Sheet 11 Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
Sheet 11 Eukaryotic Gene Regulation
(NOV 2020-II)
(DEC 2012)
7. Expression of gene 'A' is a regulated by
8. Locus control region (LCR) lies far
Mg2+. The expression of gene 'A' in untreated
upstream from the gene cluster and is
(UN) and cells treated with Mg2+ (T) was
required for the appropriate expression of
analysed by Northern hybridization (N) and
each gene in cluster. LCR regulates
Western blotting (W). A similar exercise was
expression of globin genes in the cluster
done for a mutant (Mut) which was isolated
through the following ways.
with a 6 bp deletion in 5'UTR of the transcript
A. LCR interacts with promoters of individual
of gene 'A',
genes by DNA looping through DNA-binding
The following are summary of four possible
proteins.
results that are hypothesized to be obtained.
B. The LCR-bound proteins attract chromatin.
Where
remodeling complexes including histone-
UN = Untreated Cells, WT = Wild type cells,
modifying enzymes and components of the
T = Cells treated with Mg2+, Mut = Cell with
transcription machinery.
mutation in gene A, N = Northern
C. LCR acts as an enhancer for global
hybridization, W = Western blotting.
regulation of gene cluster and does not
regulate individual genes.
D. LCR participates in covering inactive
chromatin to active chromatin around the
gene cluster.
Choose the correct set of combinations.
(1) A and B (2) A and C
(3) B and C (4) B and D
(DEC 2011)
9. Insulin and other growth factors stimulate
a pathway involving a protein kinase mTOR,
which in its turn augments protein synthesis.
mTOR essentially modifies protein( s) which
Identify the pattern expected in the
in their unmodified form act as inhibitors of
engineered strain.
protein synthesis. The following proteins are
possible candidates:
A. eEF-1 B. elF-4E-BP1
C. elF-4E D. PHAS-I
Which of the following sets is correct?
(1) A and B (2) Band D
(3) A and C (4) B and C
(MODEL PAPER)
10. During mitogenic stimulation, cells
proliferate at a higher rate and it is primarily
determined by an enhanced rate of protein
synthesis. Among other mechanisms, MAP
kinase pathway of signal transduction is
involved in this. Global protein synthesis may (DEC 2013)
be regulated by many mechanisms involving 12. During heat shock, mammalian cells shut
various steps of protein synthesis, namely, down global protein synthesis while inducing
initiation, elongation and termination. Thus, heat shock proteins (Hsps). The possible
many protein factors may be involved in the molecular regulation(s) that could explain the
same. phenomenon are:
In the above process (mitogenic stimulation) A. mRNA of all proteins, except those of
the following factors are the portable targets. Hsps, undergoes degradation during heat
A. elF -2 B. eEF-1 shock.
C. S6 kinase D. elF-4E BP B. Cap-dependent translation of most mRNAs
The correct answer is is affected during heat shock due to
(1) A+B (2) C+D denaturation of cap binding protein, elF-4E.
(3) D+A (4) B+D C. Translation initiation of Hsp mRNAs takes
place through their internal ribosome entry
(JUNE 2016) sites (IRES)
11. one of the cellular events that TOR. a D. Hsp mRNAs are abundant during heat
kinase, positively regulates is the rate of shock and thus they compete out other
rRNA synthesis. TOR regulates the mRNAs for ribosome binding and translation.
association of a transcription factor to a POI I Which of the following sets is correct?
subunit. When TOR is inhibited by the drug (1) A and D (2) B and C
rapamycin, the transcription factor dissociates (3) C and D (4) A and D
from POI I. A yeast strain is engineered,
which expresses a fusion of the transcription (JUNE 2013)
factor and the POI I subunit. The level of 13. The cap binding protein (elF4E), which is
rRNA synthesis is monitored in these cells involved in the global regulation of
using pulse labelling following rapamycin translation, is highly regulated in eukaryotic
addition for the times indicated below. The cells. In an experiment, a researcher
transcript profile of rRNA observed for the transfected mammalian cells with (elF4E)
wild type cells is given below: gene for its overexpression. Due to this, the
cells will undergo (3) The free r-protein(s) bind to the mRNA(s)
(1) Apoptosis and downregulate their translation.
(2) neoplastic transformation (4) The free r-protein(s) bind free NTPs
(3) no change which then activates their cryptic
(4) differentiation ribonuclease activity leading to the
degradation of their mRNAs.
(DEC 2017)
14. During eukaryotic protein synthesis. strew (SEPT 2022-II)
conditions result in activation of specific 17. The 5' UTR of ferritin mRNA forms a
kinases leading to phosphorylation of a key stem-loop structure called the iron regulatory
translation initiation factor that inhibits element (IRE). The Iron Regulatory Binding
protein synthesis from a large number of Protein [IRBP] binds this IRE. The following
cellular mRNA. Which one of the following statements were made with reference to
factors is the target of the kinase? IRBP- IRE interaction:
(1) elF4E (2) elF4G (A) IRBP-IRE interaction prevents elF4A from
(3) elF2a (4) Gcn4 resolving the stem-loop structure, thus
preventing initiation of translation of ferritin
(JUNE 2018) genes.
15. Phosphorylation of elF2 α subunits (at Ser (B) IRBP-IRE interaction recruits elF4A to the
51) leads to 5' UTR, thus promoting translation initiation.
(1) inactivation of Met-tRNAi, binding activity (C) In presence of ferrous ions IRBP is unable
of elF2B. to bind the IRE.
(2) sequestration of eIF2B because of tight (D) elF4A binds directly at the 5' UTR and
binding between elF2 and elF2B. disrupts the stem-loop structure, thus
(3) degradation of elF2B. promoting translation initiation.
(4) enhanced guanine exchange activity of Which one cf the options below represents
elF2B. the combination of all correct statements?
(1) B only (2) A and D
(SEPT 2022-I) (3) A and C (4) B and C
16. Regulation of mRNA translation is a major
mechanism that maintains stoichiometric (SEPT 2022-II)
availability of ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) 18. The post-translational modifications in
to rRNA molecules they bind to. Translational one or more core histones that are known to
regulation is facilitated by general occurrence be associated with DNA repair pathways are:
of the r-protein genes in several operons (1) Phosphorylation at specific tyrosine
containing multiple genes. Which one of the residues
following represents an established (2) Ubiquitination at specific lysine residues
mechanism to ensure optimal production of (3) Acetylation at specific serine residues
the r-proteins in E. coli, when the r-proteins (4) Methylation at specific serine residues
accumulate in free form (molar excess on
rRNA) (JUNE 2014)
(1) The free r-protein(s) often bind to 19. Prior to transcription, chromatin changes
corresponding DNA sequence and activate from an inactive state to an active state by
transcription of rRNA genes to increases rRNA various factors in a stepwise manner. Which
availability. one of the following is involved in the initial
(2) The free r-protein(s) bind to RNA step during activation of a chromatin loop?
polymerase and represses transcription of the (1) HMG14. (2) SSB
r-protein genes to decrease the availability of (3) DNA polymerase III (4) Topoisomerase
their mRNAs.
(JUNE 2019) of the co-activator is responsible for the
20. Phosphorylation of the a-subunit of elF2 recruitment of chromatin remodeling
at Ser 51 position in Saccharomyces complex?
cerevisiae leads to sequestration of elF2B, (1) Histone deacetylase activity.
guanosine exchange factor. This (2) Histone methyl transferase activity.
phenomenon is (3) Histone acetyl transferase activity.
(1) known to activate translation of the (4) DNA methyl transferase activity.
capped mRNAs in the cytosol
(2) known to activate translation of many key (JUNE 2013)
mRNAs possessing short ORFs(uORFs) in the 25. Phosphorylation of serines as well as
mRNA sequence that proceed the main ORF methylation and acetylation of lysines in
(3) an essential requirement for translation of histone tails affect the stability of chromatin
IRES containing mRNAs. structure above the nucleosome level and
(4) an essential requirement for the transport have important consequences for gene
of mature mRNAs out of the nucleus expression. The resulting changes in charge
are expected to affect the ability of the tails
(JUNE 2016) to interact with DNA because
21. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) catalyses the (1) DNA is negatively charged.
removal of acetyl group from N-terminal of (2) DNA-histone interaction is independent of
histones. Which amino acid of histone is net charge.
involved in this process? (3) phosphorylation of serine increases DNA-
(1) Lysine (2) Arginine histone interaction.
(3) Asparagine (4) Histidine (4) methylation and acetylation of lysine
increases DNA-histone interaction.
(DEC 2010)
22. Among the following which enzyme used (JUNE2013)
NAD as cofactor? 26. DNA methylation plays an important role
(1) Histone acetyl transferase in transcription regulation in vertebrates.
(2) Histone methyl transferase There is an inverse correlation between the
(3) Histone deacetylase level of DNA methylation in the vicinity of a
(4) Histone demethylase gene and its transcription rate, whereas there
is a direct correlation increased and
(JUNE 2014) acetylation between histone transcription. β-
23. Histone acetylase and chromatin thalassemia is a common genetic impairment
remodeling complexes are recruited to of hemoglobin β -chain synthesis in humans.
specific regions of chromatin by If these patients can synthesize hemoglobin-F
(1) gene activator proteins. instead of hemoglobin chain in its place, they
(2) specific promoter sequence would be notably benefited. Administration of
(3) phosphorylation of histone acetylase. 5-azacytidine to thalassemia patients
(4) dephosphorylation of chromatin increases hemoglobin-F level in erythrocytes
remodeling complexes. and thus benefit the patients.
Which one of the following statements about
(JUNE 2014) 5- azacytidine is NOT correct?
24. After activation of a promoter by the DNA (1) Cells exposed to 5-azacytidine incorporate
binding activity of a transcription factor, a co- it into DNA in place of cytidine.
activator is recruited at the region targeted (2) 5-azacytidine decreases DNA methylation.
for transcription which in turn creates a (3) 5-azacytidine promotes histone
binding site for a chromatin remodeling acetylation.
complex. Which one of the following activities (4) 5-azacytidine does not promote gene
expression. function of the following target genes was
done to allow expression of the gene of
(JUNE 2011) interest from its new locus.
27. In eukaryotic chromatin, 30 nm fiber A. Mutation in histone deacetylase (Clr3).
(solenoid) can open up to give rise to two B. Mutation in histone acetyltransferase
kinds of chromatin. In one type (A), the (HAT-8).
promoter of a gene within the open C. Mutation in histone H3 lysine 9 methyl
chromatin is occupied by a nucleosome transferase (Clr4).
whereas in the other (B), the promoter is D. Loss of Dicer, an RNA processing enzyme.
occupied by histone H1. The following Which of the above events could allow the
possibilities are suggested. expression of this gene from the centromeric
A) The gene in (A) is repressed. region?
B) The gene in (B) is repressed. (1) A, B and C
C) The gene in (A) is active. (2) A, C and D
D) The gene in (B) is active. (3) B and C only
Which of the following sets is correct? (4) A and C only
(1) A and D (2) B and C
(3) B and D (4) C and D (NOV 2020-II)
31. The mammalian protein HP1 plays a
(JUNE 2011) major role in heterochromatinization and
28. Small RNAs with internally silencing. The following mutations are
complementary sequences that form hairpin- proposed to negatively impact HP1 function.
like structure, synthesized as precursor RNAs A. Mutation inactivating the deacetylase that
and cleaved by endonucleases to form short targets H3K14AC
duplexes are called B. Mutation inactivating HP1 bromo-domain
(1) snRNA (2) mRNA C. Mutation inactivating HP1 chromo-domain
(3) tRNA. (4) miRNA. D. Mutation inactivating the KMT1A methyl-
transferase whose target site is H3K9
(DEC 2014)
Which one of the following combinations
29. A gene producing red pigment was placed
represents all correct statements?
near centromeres of fission yeast and thus
(1) A, C and D (2) A, B and D
subjected to position effect variegation and
(3) B and D only (4) C and D only
produced white colonies, A screen for
mutants that increased the red pigment
(DEC 2019)
production was undertaken. Which of the
32. Readers of histone modifications include:
following genes, when mutated, is likely to
(1) SUN domain proteins
produce this genotype?
(2) BAG domain proteins
(1) histone deacetylase
(3) PAS domain proteins
(2) Histone acetylase
(4) TUDOR domain proteins
(3) RNA polymerase II
(4) TATA binding factor
(SEPT 2022-I)
33. Following statements were made about
(JUNE 2018)
chromatin remodeling in eukaryotes:
30. Genes translocated to the
(A) Chromatin remodeling completely alters
heterochromatic regions of chromosomes are
and/or slides the nucleosome, but cannot
silenced. In S. pombe, a translocation event
displace it.
was detected wherein a gene of interest was
(B) Chromatin remodeling is an energy
translocated to the centromere region and is
driven, developmentally regulated active
silenced. Mutagenesis leading to loss of
process.
(C) Histone acetylation is a reversible (1) is identical on all the nucleosomes of a
process, in which each direction of the gene
reaction is catalyzed by different enzymes (2) varies between the nucleosomes present
(D) In general, acetylation of core histones in the transcription initiation and elongation
reduces their affinity for DNA and destabilizes regions
the chromatin structure, causing (3) is always fixed for the nucleosomes in the
transcriptional repression. promoter regions of the genes that are
(E) Phosphorylation of Ser1 of histone H2A transcriptionally active
has been associated with transcription (4) in the transcription initiation regions is
repression. identical for the genes that are sensitive to
(1) A, B and C (2) A, C and D nuclease activity
(3) B, C and E (4) C, D and E
(DEC 2019)
(SEPT 2022-I) 36. The amino acid side chains of the four
34. Following statements were made about histones in the nucleosome are subjected to
some of the characteristics of the human remarkable variety of post-translation
genome: modifications such as phosphorylation,
(A) Evidence derived by chromosome acetylation and methylation. Which one of
conformation capture (3C) suggests that each the following post-translational marks on
chromosome comprised a series of histone tails is usually associated with
topologically associated domains. transcriptional repression?
(B) Insulators typically mark the boundaries (1) Acetylation of H3K9
of topologically associated domains, (2) Methylation of H3K9
preventing the genes within a domain from (3) Acetylation of H4K5
being influenced by the regulatory modules of (4) Phosphorylation of H3S10
an adjacent domain.
(C) Presence of insulators does not overcome (JUNE 2019)
the positional effect after integration of a 37. Following statements are made about
transgene into the genome. chromatin re-modelling in human cells:
(D) Insulators can provide barrier against the A. Local chromatin conformation may play
spread of heterochromatin. more important role than the local DNA
(E) Insulator sequences are absent in the sequence of the promoter.
Drosophila genome, which suggests their B. Histones in nucleosome can undergo many
essentiality in achieving highest degree of different covalent modifications, which in
gene regulation in humans. turn, alter the chromatin architecture locally.
Which one of the following represents the C. Chromatin re-modelling is a
correct combination of above statements? developmentally regulated passive process
(1) A, B and C which does not require ATP.
(2) A, B and D D. Several histone variants exist, which
(3) B. C and D replace the standard histones in specific
(4) C, D and E types of chromatin.
Select the option that has the combination of
(DEC 2019 ASSAM) all correct answers.
35. Chromatin re-modelling leading to histone (1) A, C, D (2) A, B, C
modifications is invariably required for (3) A, B, D (4) B, C, D
regulation of transcriptional activity of
eukaryotic genes. The residues in histone (DEC 2011)
tails may be methylated or acetylated, The 38 human, protein coding genes are mainly
nature of these modifications organized "exons" and "introns'’. There are
intergenic regions that transcribe into various statement about them is NOT true?
types of non-coding RNA (not translating into (1) Both siRNA and miRNA are processed by
protein). Some introns may harbor also DICER.
transcription units, which are (2) Both siRNA and-miRNA usually guide
(1) always other protein coding genes silencing of the same genetic loci from which
(2) protein coding gene and RNA coding they originate.
genes (3) miRNA is a natural molecule while siRNA
(3) always RNA coding genes is either natural or a synthetic one.
(4) pseudo genes (4) miRNA, but not siRNA is processed by
Drosha.
(DEC 2018)
39. In an experiment, intact chromatin was (JUNE 2014)
isolated and digested with micrococcal 42. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been
nuclease in independent tubes for 30 min, 1 shown to play significant role in the fine
h, 2h, and 4h. tuning of gene expression. Some miRNAs
Further, the DNA was purified from each induce gene silencing by binding to mRNAs
tube, separated on agarose gel and Southern and inducing inhibition of translation. On the
hybridization was performed with rRNA gene other hand, there are miRNAs that bind to
probe and a centromeric DNA probe. Which mRNAs and activate their degradation. The
one of the following patterns of signal following characteristics can be applicable to
intensity from both of the probes is likely to miRNAs that inhibit mRNA translation:
be obtained following Southern hybridization? A. miRNA is partially complementary to region
(1) With increasing time, compared to of target mRNA in the 3' UTR.
centromeric probe, a rapid increase in signal B. miRNA always base pairs with mRNA
intensity of rRNA gene probe was observed. around an AU- rich sequence.
(2) With increasing time, compared to C. miRNA base pairs with mRNA through 6-7
centromeric probe, a rapid decrease in signal nucleotides at its 5' end referred to as "seed
intensity of rRNA gene probe was observed. sequence" as well as few additional bases
(3) Irrespective of incubation period, both elsewhere.
probes produced identical band intensities. D. miRNA is always partially complementary
(4) Treatment with micrococcal nuclease to the 5' UTR of the target mRNA.
would instantly degrade the DNA, hence, no Choose the correct option from the following:
hybridization signal would be obtained, in any (1) A and B (2) A and C
of the samples. (3) C and D (4) A and D