MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF BIOSCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, ENTOMOLOGY AND FISHERIES

SCIENCE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE

NAME: RUGOMA DAVID

STUDENT NO: 2400710933

REG NO: 24/U/10933/PS

LECTURER: PROF. MUYODI FREDRICK

Qn 1: Describe Gene Expression
Gene expression is the process by which information encoded in the gene is turned into
functional product such as a protein or ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule. This process is vital
in life as it allows cells to carry out their specific functions and respond to their environment.
Gene expression is more expressed by the central dogma which is a fundamental principle
explaining the flow of genetic information within a biological system. It states that the
information stored in DNA is transferred to RNA; then to proteins.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid); stores and carries for building and maintaining an organism
RNA; a molecule that acts as a messenger carrying genetic information from DNA to
ribosomes where proteins are synthesized.
Proteins; complex molecules made up of amino acids that perform a number of functions like
repair of worn-out tissues in an organism.
Central Dogma provides a framework for understanding how genetic information is
expressed and how genetic information contributes to the development and functioning of
living organisms.
Mechanism of gene expression
Transcription;
RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA called the promoter, signalling the start
of transcription.
RNA polymerase moves along DNA strand, unwinding it while synthesizing complementary
messenger RNA (mRNA) strand. The mRNA strand grows in the 5’ to 3’ direction with each
nucleotide to 3’ end. When RNA polymerase reaches the termination sequence on DNA, it
releases mRNA and detaches from DNA.

Translation;
This is where sequence of mRNA is used as a template for a chain of amino acids forming a
protein molecule. mRNA binds to ribosome, the ribosome scans the mRNA molecule and
finds the start codon (AUG).
Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules each carrying an amino acid bind to mRNA codons
according to the genetic code. The ribosome links the amin acids together to form
polypeptides connected via peptide bond. When the ribosome reaches a stop codon (UAA),
releases the polypeptide chain; which folds to form a protein.

Regulation of gene expression

This is important to prevent random and constant gene expression which may result in
random cell division causing cancer.
Gene expression regulation involves;
Transcriptional regulation – this involves controlling the rate at which genes are transcribed
into mRNA.
Post-transcriptional regulation – this involves modifying mRNA molecule after it has been
transcribed such as by splicing or adding poly A tail.
Translational regulation – this involves controlling the rate at which mRNA is translated into
a protein.
Post-translational regulation – this involves modifying a protein after it has been translated
such as folding and adding chemical groups.
Significance of gene expression
Gene expression is a fundamental process that underpins life itself. This is where information
stored in DNA is used to create functional molecules, primarily proteins, that make us who
we are and below are the reasons why gene expression is important;
Building blocks of life; Proteins are work horses of our cells whereby the whole organism’s
body is made up of proteins.
structural proteins – provide support and shape to cells and tissues such as muscles for
locomotion, collagen in the skin, bones for support among others.
enzymes – catalyse various metabolic activities such as digestion such as pepsin,
amylase and energy production such as ATP synthase.
hormones – act as chemical messengers regulating various bodily functions such as
sexual development, growth.
antibodies – produced in vast numbers in a localised infected area o provide immunity to
the body.
Cell differentiation; Each cell has DNA in it which controls its activities into different cells
such as nerve cells, gamete cells, with different purposes whereby gene expression controls
which cells are turned on or off in an organism, determining a unique structure and function
of each cell.
Development; Gene expression is vital for proper development of an organism from a single
fertilised egg, coinciding with proper timing of sequences leading to formation of tissues and
organs hence an organism.
Adaptation and response; Gene expression allows organisms to respond to their stimuli for
example when an organism is exposed to cold temperatures, our bodies increase production
of genes for heat production.
Diseases such as genetic disorders and cancer arise from disruption of gene expression hence
mutation.
In essence, genetic expression is key to understanding how genetic information translates into
the complex and dynamic processes that make life possible.
Qn 2: Discuss reasons for studying Genetics
Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation and heredity in living organisms.
Basic concepts in genetics
Genes – are basic and functional units of heredity passed on from parent to offspring
DNA – a molecule that carries genetic information of an organism
Chromosomes – thread-like structures within the nucleus that contain DNA
Genotype – this is the genetic makeup of an organism
Phenotype – these are physical observable traits of an organism such as height
These are the areas upon which the study of genetics is based;
Classical genetics. This is the type of genetics which focuses on inheritance traits often using
a model such as a fruit, flies, peas.
Molecular genetics. This is the type of genetics which investigates the structure and function
of genes on a molecular level including DNA replication, transcription and translation.
Population genetics. This is the study of genetics focusing on genetic variations within and
between populations and how these changes vary over time.
Human genetics. This explores the genetic basis of human traits, diseases and disorders.
Here below is why there has been improvement in the genetics field and why the study of
genetics is important;
Genetics were more popularised after a scientist named Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) who
conducted interesting experiment on pea plants demonstrating fundamental principles of
inheritance; law of segregation and law of independent assortment, and his work was
published in 1866 laying a foundation for modern genetics; although its significance was not
fully recognised until the early 20th century and hence, he was regarded as the father of
genetics.
Diagnosis; genetic testing helps to identify individuals at risk of inherited diseases like sickle
cell, haemophilia hence this knowledge is used to advise these victims getting marriage
partners not to marry fellow victims since this will affect their offsprings.
Treatment; understanding genetic diseases allows development of targeted therapies such as
gene therapy and personalised medicine thus such knowledge helps protect endangered lives
and reduces death rate.
Prevention; genetic knowledge can help individuals make informed life style and marriage
choices to reduce risk of developing certain diseases, for example sicklers are not advised to
marry fellow sicklers as this would affect their offsprings and face heavy future medical bills
upon medical attention.
Drug improvement; genetics play a vital role in developing new drugs and vaccines, for
example at molecular level, genecists can study how disease-causing organisms are evolving
and develop appropriate vaccines.
Personalised medicine; tailoring medical treatments to individuals unique genetic make up
can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects of the drug to an individual.
Crop improvement; genetic engineering techniques are used to develop crop varieties with
higher optimal yields, enhanced nutritional value, and increased resistance to stressors like
drought, pests and diseases.
Animal breeding; selective breeding based on genetic principles improves livestock for
increased productivity in animal products like milk, wool, meat and increased disease
resistance.
Understanding genetic variation; studying genetics variations within a population helps us to
understand how species evolve and adapt to their environments.
Understanding human origin; genetic research through carbon dating and astrology provides
insight into human migration patterns, origins and relationship between different human
populations.
Concept of finger printing; genetic analysis of DNA samples is used in forensics
investigations to identify suspects and victims of crime.
Personal interest; for example, family history and genetic pre-dispositions can provide
valuable insights into your own health, wellbeing and origins.
In conclusion, genetics is a fundamental field with far reaching implications of human health,
agriculture, medicine and understanding of the living world.