Housekeeping genes are critical for carrying out basic cell functions and so are expressed at a relatively constant level (constitutively). Since their expression is constant, housekeeping genes are used as experimental controls when analysing gene expression. Not all essential genes are housekeeping genes since some essential genes are developmentally regulated or expressed at certain times during the organism's life cycle. COUNT 5
QSN1 What type of genes are necessary for performing basic cell functions? ANS1 Housekeeping genes QSN2 At what relative level are housekeeping genes expressed at? ANS2 constant QSN3 When investigating gene expression, what type of genes are used as a control for experiments? ANS3 housekeeping genes QSN4 How are some essential genes regulated? ANS4 developmentally QSN5 When are some essential genes expressed? ANS5 at certain times during the organism's life cycle