How Do You Spell CATABOLITE REPRESSION?

Pronunciation: [kˈatˌabəlˌa͡ɪt ɹɪpɹˈɛʃən] (IPA)

Catabolite repression is a concept in biochemistry where the presence of certain sugars represses the expression of genes involved in the utilization of other sugars. The word "catabolite" is spelled [kætəˈbaɪlaɪt] phonetically, indicating that the first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a schwa sound, and stressed on the second syllable. In contrast, "repression" is spelled [rɪˈprɛʃən], indicating an "i" sound in the first syllable, followed by a schwa sound, and stressed on the second syllable. Combining the two words gives us "catabolite repression" [kætəˈbaɪlaɪt rɪˈprɛʃən].

CATABOLITE REPRESSION Meaning and Definition

1. Catabolite repression refers to a regulatory mechanism observed in microorganisms where the presence of an easily utilizable carbon source represses the expression of enzymes necessary for the utilization of less favorable carbon sources. It is a form of gene regulation that ensures efficient metabolic utilization of available nutrients.

   In catabolite repression, the concentration of a preferred carbon source in the growth medium influences the expression of certain genes involved in the metabolism of alternative carbon sources. When the preferred carbon source is present, it is rapidly taken up by the cell and metabolized. As a result, the intracellular concentration of certain metabolites, particularly cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), decreases. Lower cAMP levels, in turn, lead to decreased expression of certain genes necessary for the utilization of non-preferred carbon sources.

   The repression of these genes is mediated by a regulatory protein called the catabolite activator protein (CAP), also known as the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP). CAP/CRP interacts with cAMP and binds to specific DNA sequences, known as CAP or CRP binding sites, located upstream of the regulated genes. When bound to these sites, CAP/CRP acts as a transcriptional activator, promoting the expression of the targeted genes. Conversely, in the absence of cAMP, CAP/CRP cannot effectively bind to its target sites, leading to reduced expression of the associated genes.

   Catabolite repression allows microorganisms to preferentially utilize energy-rich carbon sources to maximize growth efficiency. It enables cells to quickly respond to changes in nutrient availability, optimizing their metabolic pathways and enhancing their chances of survival.

Common Misspellings for CATABOLITE REPRESSION

• xatabolite repression
• vatabolite repression
• fatabolite repression
• databolite repression
• cztabolite repression
• cstabolite repression
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• cqtabolite repression
• carabolite repression
• cafabolite repression
• cagabolite repression
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• ca6abolite repression
• ca5abolite repression
• catzbolite repression
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• catwbolite repression
• catqbolite repression
• catavolite repression
• catanolite repression

Etymology of CATABOLITE REPRESSION

The word "catabolite repression" comes from two distinct components: "catabolite" and "repression".

1. Catabolite: The term "catabolite" originates from the Greek word "katabolḗ" (καταβολή), which means "throwing down" or "destruction". In biology, it refers to the breakdown or degradation of complex molecules into simpler ones, typically associated with the release of energy.

2. Repression: The term "repression" comes from the Latin word "reprimere", which means "to press back" or "restrain". In biology, it refers to the process of inhibiting or suppressing the expression of specific genes or enzymes.

Plural form of CATABOLITE REPRESSION is CATABOLITE REPRESSIONS