House Keeping Genes

All the genes do not play the same role, nor are all the genes active all the time. With regard to their role and activity, the genes are of two different types-

Those genes are constantly transcribed and expressed in the cells because the products they code for are constantly needed for cellular activities, are called housekeeping genes. Such genes are necessary for keeping the cells in an active state always. For example, the enzymes involved in the breakdown of glucose in cellular oxidation, need to be produced continuously. Hence, the genes responsible for coding these enzymes are always kept in an active state.