19.01.07 Transcription, mRNA processing (excluding splicing) and translation Flashcards
Transcription, mRNA processing (excluding splicing) and translation
Central dogma
The expression of genetic information in a cell is almost exclusively unidirectional. DNA>RNA>protein
Where does transcription occur
Nucleus (limited extent in mitochondrial)
What direction is RNA synthesised?
5’ to 3’, complimentary to template (anti sense strand) with same bases except U/T.
how many classes of RNA polymerase molcules
3 (I, II, III)
how does transcription start
-Transcription factors bind to the promoter region and position RNA polymerase to initiate RNA synthesis.
Are transcription factors trans- acting?
Yes, migrate to sites of action following synthesis by remotely located genes
Are promoters trans-acting
No, they are cis-acting. Function is limited to the duplex on which they reside.
What other elements are cis-acting
Other than promoters, enhancers and silencers are also cis-acting
Elements of promoters
TATA box, GC box, CAAT box
TATA box
TATAAA sequence. 25-35 bp upstream of transcriptional start site. Able to define direction of transcription, indicates the DNA strand to be read. Mutations can cause transcription to begin at an incorrect location
GC box
Variant of GGGCGG. 110bp upstream of transcriptional site. Can function in both directions.
CAAT box
GGCCAATCT. 80bps upstream. Strongest determination of promoter efficiency. Functions in both directions
Mutations in promoters
1% of single base pair substitutions causing genetic disease occur in promoter regions. Disrupt transcription initiation (alter/abolish cis-activing DNA sequence motids for trans acting TFs), leading to altered amounts of mRNA and thus protein.
enhancers
Enhance transcriptional activity. Variable distrance from start site. Function independent of orientation. Cause DNA between promotor and enhancer to loop out.
silencer
inhibit transcriptional activity
Main steps of RNA processing
5’ capping, 3’ polyadenylation
5’ capping, when does it occur
During elongation
functions of 5’ capping
protect from 5’ - 3’ exonuclease activity. Facilitate transport from nucleus to cytoplasm, facilitate RNA splicing. Attaches 40s subunity of ribosome to mRNA
What happens during 5’ capping
methylated nucleoside, m7g (7-methylguanosine), is linked to the 5’ end of RNA by a phosphodiester bond.