Genes and protein they code size relation?

In summary, the size of a gene does affect the size of the protein it codes for, with some caveats. These include the presence of introns in eukaryotic DNA and post-translational processing, which can complicate the relationship between gene and protein size. However, in simpler cases, the size of a gene and its corresponding protein are related.
  • #1
icakeov
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If the gene is smaller, is the protein that it codes for smaller too?
Vice versa?
 
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  • #2
I guess that is true, and even accurately true, with certain caveats.

One would be that by 'gene' here you'd have to mean coding sequence or the total length of exons. That is in eukaryotes the DNA coding sequence that represents the sequence of the protein product) can be interrupted by nonencoding sequences called introns so if you counted these the relation would be a lot more variable.

Another caveat would be that by protein you have to mean polypeptide. Functional proteins on more often than not are assemblages of for example two, four or six etc. Identical or nonidentical polypeptides.

Then sometimes there is post-translational processing - cleavage by peptidases of the initial polypeptide product.

And no doubt other complications.

But except for these overlaying factors, in the simplest cases the answer to your question is yes.
 
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  • #3
Great, thanks epenguin, yes, I was wondering whether in general cases it checks out to be related!
 

1. What is the relationship between genes and the size of the proteins they code?

The size of a protein is directly related to the length of the gene that codes for it. Each gene contains a specific sequence of nucleotides that determines the sequence of amino acids in the corresponding protein. The longer the gene, the more amino acids it can code for, resulting in a larger protein.

2. Are there any exceptions to the relationship between gene length and protein size?

While gene length and protein size generally have a direct relationship, there are some exceptions. For example, a process called alternative splicing can result in different variations of a protein being produced from the same gene. Additionally, post-translational modifications can alter the size and function of a protein even after it has been synthesized.

3. Can mutations in genes affect the size of the proteins they code for?

Yes, mutations in genes can lead to changes in the size of the resulting protein. This can occur if the mutation affects the nucleotide sequence, resulting in a different amino acid being incorporated into the protein. This can also occur through frameshift mutations, where the reading frame of the gene is disrupted, leading to a different amino acid sequence and potentially a different protein size.

4. How does the size of a protein affect its function?

The size of a protein can greatly impact its function. Larger proteins may have more complex structures and can perform a wider range of functions. They may also have multiple functional domains, allowing them to interact with different molecules or perform different tasks. However, smaller proteins can also have important functions, such as being involved in signaling pathways or serving as structural components.

5. Is there a specific code or pattern in genes that determines the size of the resulting protein?

There is no specific code or pattern in genes that determines the size of the resulting protein. The size of a protein is determined by the sequence of amino acids, which is determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the gene. However, the relationship between gene length and protein size is not always straightforward due to the various factors that can affect protein size and function.

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