Why does the complexity of gene regulation mirror the complexity of the organism in which it is found-?

Answer 1

A: Gene regulation is the term for the process in which a cell determines which of its many genes it will express and when to use them.

Complexity of gene regulation allows a cell to do a wider variety of things (inside the cell and when it replicates to make more cells). A more complex organism [a human] requires more types of cells and for them each, and collectively, to be capable of more functions than a simple organism [an amoeba].

For example let's talk about gene regulation in humans. Every cell in the human body contains a complete copy of that person's DNA, with tens of thousands of genes. All of these genes cannot be expressed at once.

Cells must decide which genes to turn on and which genes to turn off and this will determine what type of cell it is and how it functions (cell differentiation). For example, a skin cell turns on the genes which make it a skin cell, while a bone cell would leave these genes turned off. Neither of these cells would need the genes which allow a cell to differentiate into a neuron, so these genes would be left off as well.

Besides being useful for cell differentiation,gene regulation is also valuable for cell function.As a cell moves through its life, it has different needs and functions, which can be met with the use of gene regulation to determine which genes are expressed and when. Cells can also adapt to environmental changes such as an injury which requires repair by activating new genes.

Gene regulation can be accomplished in a number of different ways, with one of the most common being to control the rate at which RNA transcription occurs. Genes can also be deactivated by changing the structure of the DNA in an individual cell to turn them off or on. Think of the potential medical and therapeutic applications for gene regulation. Knowing which genes are involved in a cancer or genetic condition (Diabetes, hemophilia) would mean it is theoretically possible to turn these genes off so that they cannot be active in the body.

Unicellular organisms also utilize gene regulation to regulate their functions and activity. These organisms must be able to adapt genetic material quickly to adjust to changing circumstances and new environments. Failure to do so will cause not only death of the cell - which is death of the organism itself. Gene regulation allows such organisms to do things which will allow them to fit into hostile and extreme environments and to adapt to changes, such as the introduction of antibiotics into their environment.

Answer 2

The complexity of gene regulation mirror the complexity of the organism because of of the gene's direct relative effect.