Switching on Gene Expression: Analysis of the Factors that Spatially and Temporally Regulate Plant Gene Expression

The proper spatial and temporal expression pattern of genes has been shown in many organisms to be essential in regulating developmental processes (1, 2). Furthermore, transcriptional regulation of gene expression has been shown to play a fundamental role in enabling organisms to respond to external stimuli. The molecular mechanisms through which transcription is carried out have been intensely studied and our understanding of these processes has grown at a rapid pace. These mechanisms integrate a multitude of proteins interacting with one another and with enhancer and promoter sequences.