Ultra-Conserved Elements

Important Facts for Prelims

Ultra-Conserved Elements

Why is this important?

A recent study has revealed that Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs) in the Tra2b (Transformer-2 beta) gene have remained unchanged for over 80 million years. These elements play a crucial role in preventing infertility by regulating protein levels.

Key Findings of the Study on Ultra-Conserved Elements

• Study Findings: In mice, deleting the UCE in the testes led to an excess of Tra2β protein, causing sperm cell death and infertility.
• UCE Function: The UCE in the Tra2b gene acts as a "poison exon," controlling the production of Tra2β protein. When protein levels are too high, the UCE triggers an additional exon in the gene’s RNA, introducing a stop codon that halts protein production and prevents overproduction.
• Mutation Consequences: Mutations that disrupt the UCE's role in limiting protein production lead to infertility, preventing the passing on of genes. As a result, UCEs have been preserved through natural selection for millions of years across species.

What are Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs)?

• Definition: UCEs are DNA sequences of at least 200 base pairs that have remained completely unchanged for over 80 million years across multiple species.
• Presence Across Species: These sequences are found in humans, mice, rats, chickens, and even fish, underscoring their critical biological significance.
• Human Genome: Nearly 500 UCEs are found in the human genome.
• Characteristics: UCEs have nearly identical DNA sequences across various species, even those that are evolutionarily distant.
• Function: UCEs do not typically code for proteins but play an essential role in gene regulation.

DNA to Protein Conversion

• DNA Structure: DNA is a double-helix molecule, with each strand consisting of four bases that pair up to hold the strands together.
• Gene: A gene is a segment of DNA that carries instructions for making proteins.
• Transcription: When a gene is expressed, the cell transcribes its DNA sequence into messenger RNA (mRNA).
• Protein Synthesis: Ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids to form a protein. Protein synthesis halts at a stop codon, signaling completion.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. What is the Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news? (2019)

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

Answer: (a)

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