Enhancer and silencer sequences

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In summary, the conversation discusses the binding abilities of enhancer and silencer sequences on DNA. While the general understanding is that enhancers only bind activators and silencers only bind repressors, there is some confusion as the professor mentioned that repressors can bind to both types of sequences. This goes against previous knowledge and raises questions about the purpose of enhancer sequences. However, it is important to note that these sequences are not restricted to specific proteins and can be bound by any protein that has evolved to recognize them, ultimately determining the effect on gene expression.
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motornoob101
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In all the stuff I read, enhancer only binds activators while silencer sequences on DNA binds repressors. However, in my biology's slides.. my professor is saying that repressors can bind to both silencers and enhancers.. can anyone confirm this? This is very fishy as I have never read this before and it would kind of defeat the purpose of enhancer sequences no? Thanks!
 
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There is no "purpose of enhancer sequences", these are just nucleotide sequences. They can be bound by whatever protein evolves to recognize them. A protein can enhance or repress gene expression depending on how it interacts with other macromolecules when bound to the nucleotide sequence for which it has affinity. Don't let your thinking about the system be restricted by the nomenclature, the proteins determine what happens.
 
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I can confirm that repressors can indeed bind to both silencer and enhancer sequences on DNA. This is because repressors are proteins that can bind to specific DNA sequences, regardless of whether they are enhancers or silencers. Their role is to regulate gene expression by blocking the binding of activators or other transcription factors to enhancers or silencers, thereby preventing or reducing the expression of a gene.

While the primary function of enhancers is to bind activators and increase gene expression, they can also be bound by repressors in certain contexts. This can occur when the repressor protein has a higher affinity for the enhancer sequence compared to the activator protein, or when the repressor protein interacts with other proteins that are bound to the enhancer.

In summary, the binding of repressors to enhancer sequences does not necessarily defeat the purpose of enhancers. Enhancer sequences can still function to increase gene expression in the presence of activators, but their activity may be modulated by the binding of repressors. This adds another layer of complexity to the regulation of gene expression and highlights the importance of studying the interactions between different regulatory elements on DNA.
 

What are enhancer and silencer sequences?

Enhancer and silencer sequences are short stretches of DNA located near a gene that can either enhance or suppress the expression of that gene.

How do enhancer and silencer sequences work?

Enhancer sequences work by attracting specific proteins, called transcription factors, that then bind to the DNA and activate the gene. Silencer sequences, on the other hand, work by repelling transcription factors and preventing them from binding to the DNA, thus suppressing gene expression.

Where are enhancer and silencer sequences located?

Enhancer and silencer sequences are located near the gene they regulate, usually within a few thousand base pairs. However, they can also be located further away, even on a different chromosome.

Can enhancer and silencer sequences be found in all organisms?

Yes, enhancer and silencer sequences are found in all organisms, from bacteria to humans. However, the specific sequences and mechanisms may vary between different organisms.

Can enhancer and silencer sequences be artificially manipulated?

Yes, enhancer and silencer sequences can be artificially manipulated through genetic engineering techniques. This can be used to alter gene expression and potentially treat genetic disorders.

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