Regulatory Elements

Regulatory elements are sections of DNA that control how genes are turned on or off. They act like switches or dimmers, influencing when and how much of a protein is produced by a gene. These elements can be found near the genes they regulate or far away on the DNA strand. They respond to various signals from within and outside the cell, helping to coordinate the cell’s activities and adapt to changes in the environment. Understanding regulatory elements is crucial for fields like genetics and medicine, as they play a key role in health and disease.