Question

Question: What are some of the challenges of expressing a eukaryotic gene in a prokaryotic host cell?

Short answer

Answer

The prokaryotic cell can alter the eukaryotic gene's gene expression and result in non-functional proteins.

Step-by-step solution

Genetic engineering

By introducing the gene of interest into the host genome during the genetic engineering process, the gene may be utilized to establish multiple gene expressions. For this method, the model organism is required. However, several obstacles exist to eukaryotic genes being expressed in a prokaryotic host.

Challenges of expressing eukaryotic gene in a prokaryotic host cell

Eukaryotic genes are transcribed into RNA using a nucleotide sequence found only within the nucleus organelle. The nucleus is where all of the key processes take place. The mRNA is then transported to the cytoplasm for protein production. However, because model host organisms like E. coli lack a nucleus, expressing these genes in a prokaryotic cell is extremely challenging.

Splicing occurs in eukaryotes before the creation of mature mRNA but not in prokaryotes. Thus, introns may be present in the sequences, altering gene expression and resulting in completely non-functional proteins.