Eukaryotes use 6 primary ways to control the expression of genes.

1. Transcriptional control affects the selection of genes to be transcribed and the rate of transcription.
2. Posttranscriptional control affects the processing of mRNA.
3. mRNA transport affects the rate at which mRNA leaves the nucleus.
4. mRNA degradation occurs because some mRNA transcripts contain sequences that cause them to be degraded prior to translation.
5. Translational control affects how long mRNA remains in the cytoplasm and the ability of mRNA to bind to ribosomes.
6. Posttranslational control occurs by regulating the additional processing that proteins require to be functional or through feedback inhibition.