• Allows organisms to be more efficient with resources and to adapt to the environment
• Important for cell differentiation (which results in many different cell types)

STEPS REGULATION OCCURS

1. Transcriptional Control

• When and how often a gene is transcribed
• Only point where the cell will not synthesize unneeded intermediates, thereby wasting resources

2. RNA Processing Control

• Control of the splicing and processing of RNA transcripts

3. RNA Transport and Localization Control

• Cells select which mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm and where they are localized to

4. Translational Control

• Control which mRNAs get translated into protein

5. mRNA Degradation Control

• Cells can destabilize specific mRNAs in the cytoplasm to limit protein production

6. Protein Activity Control

• Cells can selectively activate, inactivate, localize or degrade proteins after they have been synthesized