Regulatory genes

So I want to understand the basics of gene expression. That is the terminology and the concepts that constitutes the lingo to describe the mechanics on a molecular level. I have a background in mathematics, music and programming. So I have a feeling for syntax and relations of patterns that give me a different perspective when creating a mental picture of what is going on. So I will use my blog as a tool in my journey of educating myself in molecular biology.

First off, I want to understand some of the nutrient sensing pathways. I want to be able to understand the binary implications of these pathways. That is, what regulates something downstream and in what direction? This will give me a better understanding of autophagy and it's machinery sufficiently enough to draw conclusions and verify hypothesis with well done research experiments as my input. (these experiments need not be done by myself, of course)

From wikipedia: Regulator genes can also be described as positive or negative regulators, based on the environmental conditions that surround the cell. Positive regulators are regulatory elements that permit RNA polymerase binding to the promoter region, thus allowing transcription to occur.."

Negative regulators are regulatory elements which obstruct the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter region, thus repressing transcription. In terms of the lac operon, the negative regulator would be the lac repressor which binds to the promoter in the same site that RNA polymerase normally binds. The binding of the lac repressor to RNA polymerase's binding site inhibits the transcription of the lac genes.


Regulator gene