Final answer:
Eukaryotic cells can regulate gene expression at multiple stages which include post-translational modifications, splicing, transcript stability, initiation of translation, RNA stability, protein stability, and RNA transport. The correct options in this context are (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h).
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene expression in eukaryotic cells can be regulated at various stages beyond transcription. These different stages include:
- (b) Post-translational modifications of proteins: This includes chemical changes like phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, or ubiquitination that affect a protein's function, stability, or location.
- (c) Splicing: After transcription, RNA molecules undergo splicing where introns are removed and exons are joined to produce mature mRNA.
- (d) Transcript stability: The time an mRNA is available in the cytoplasm before degradation is regulated, affecting protein synthesis levels.
- (e) Initiation of translation: The assembly of the protein initiator complex on mRNA which influences the commencement of protein synthesis.
- (f) RNA stability: Similar to transcript stability, it determines how long the mRNA transcript persists before being degraded.
- (g) Protein stability (half-life): The lifespan of a protein in a cell before it is degraded can be controlled, affecting the levels of protein available for cellular functions.
- (h) RNA transport: The movement of RNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm plays a part in gene regulation.
Thus, the correct options in this context are (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h).