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7414684 
Journal Article 
Regulation of Gene Expression 
Chedrese, PJ; , 
2009 
Springer US 
Boston, MA 
Reproductive Endocrinology 
51-65 
All living organisms are genetically characterized by information stored in the genome as sequences of nucleotides. The genetic information required for organic development and functions is contained in the genes, which comprise only a fraction of the total sequences of nucleotides transmitted during every cell division and from generation to generation. Genes that express proteins can be divided in two main groups. The first group called constitutive or “housekeeping” genes encode slow turnover proteins required for basal functions and, therefore, are steadily expressed without regulation in most cells. The second group includes genes that encode proteins required for cell-specific biochemical activities and, therefore, are expressed only in particular cell groups. Some of these genes express high turnover proteins that are subject to rapid changes. Because these genes have restricted spatial patterns of expression, depending on their role, they can be highly regulated.