Genome Structure and Gene Expression

This chapter discusses how the composition of the genome beyond its genes influences the physiology and evolution of the organism. It looks at the structure and organization of the nuclear genome and the non-gene elements it contains and contrasts that with the cytoplasmic genomes, which are contained inside the mitochondria and plastids. It also analyzes the cellular machinery needed to transcribe and translate the genes into functional proteins. The chapter highlights how transcriptional and posttranscriptional processes combine to regulate overall gene expression. It introduces some of the tools used to study gene function, including the use of genetic engineering in research and agriculture.