Constitutive genes

Definition

Constitutive genes are genes that are continuously expressed at a constant level. They are essential for the basic functions and maintenance of cellular activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Constitutive genes are also known as housekeeping genes.
2. They code for proteins required for essential cellular processes, such as metabolism, cell structure maintenance, and basic cellular functions.
3. Their expression is not influenced by environmental changes or external signals.
4. Examples include genes encoding ribosomal RNA and enzymes involved in glycolysis.
5. Mutations in constitutive genes can have severe effects on cell viability due to their role in fundamental cellular processes.

Review Questions

• What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes constitutive genes from other types of genes?
• Why are constitutive genes crucial for cell survival?
• Give an example of a process or function that relies on the protein products of constitutive genes.

Related terms

Regulated Genes: Genes whose expression levels vary depending on environmental conditions or developmental signals.

Operon: A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, often found in prokaryotic genomes.

Promoter: A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.