Bacterial and eukaryotic cells primarily control gene expression at the level of transcription. If instead cells exerted control of gene expression primarily at the post- translational level, what would be different?
A) Genes would no longer be transcribed.
B) The ability to rapidly respond to environmental change would be reduced.
C) Cells would expend significantly more energy.
D) Translation of mRNA into protein would not occur.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Controlling gene expression at the post-translational level means that proteins are first synthesized and then regulated, which requires more energy than controlling at the transcriptional level. This is because the cell must first transcribe the DNA into mRNA, translate the mRNA into protein, and then modify or degrade the protein as needed, rather than simply not producing the protein in the first place.

Bacterial and Eukaryotic Cells Primarily Control Gene Expression at the Level