Chapter 6: 6.12 Eukaryotic Transcriptional Regulation [Transcription Factors, Enhancers, and Repressors]

Question 1

In eukaryotes:

What is the role of transcription factors?

Answer 1

Responsible for regulating transcription of genes

Question 2

What are the two types of transcription factors?

Answer 2

1. Basal (general)
2. Specific

Question 3

Define:

Basal transcription factors

Answer 3

Can bind to the core promoter region of genes and help RNA polymerase bind

Question 4

Define:

Specific transcription factors

Answer 4

Bind to regions outside the promoter to enhance or repress expression

Question 5

What are enhancers?

Answer 5

Regions of the genome
* Can be located thousands of base pairs away from a gene’s promoter, or even be located within a gene

Question 6

What happens once transcription factors bind to enhancers?

Answer 6

The transcription factors can get in close proximity to the promoter
* Recruit polymerase, facilitating transcription

Question 7

What are the roles of repressor proteins?

Answer 7

Bind to enhancers or the promoter to repress transcription