What do mechanisms that control when and how much a gene is expressed refer to?

The mechanisms that control when and how much a gene is expressed are referred to as gene regulation. This process involves various factors that determine the level of gene activity, ensuring that genes are turned on or off at the appropriate times and in the right amounts.

Gene regulation is crucial for the normal functioning of cells, allowing for the differentiation of cell types and the appropriate response to environmental changes. It involves a variety of processes, such as transcriptional regulation (where the synthesis of RNA from DNA is controlled), translational regulation (where the protein synthesis from mRNA is influenced), and post-translational modifications (where the activity or stability of proteins is modified after they are produced).

In contrast, gene mutation pertains to alterations in the DNA sequence that can change gene function, gene mapping involves identifying the locations of genes on chromosomes, and gene therapy is a technique aimed at treating or preventing disease by manipulating genes. These concepts, while related to genetics, do not specifically address the regulation of gene expression like gene regulation does.