Exam 4: Transcription & RNA processing Flashcards
Transcription
synthesis of RNA molecules that are complementary in sequence to a DNA template
RNA is different from DNA because
it contains ribose, it uses uracil to pair with adenine, it is single stranded
RNA polymerase
unwinds template DNA & creates RNA in 5’ to 3’ direction
Initiate RNA synthesis without a primer & more prone to error than DNA polymerase
RNA polymerase I
synthesizes ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which is a component of ribosome required for protein synthesis
RNA polymerase III
synthesizes tRNA - then chemically modified to make mature tRNA
RNA polymerase II
transcribes mRNA
Promoter
start of transcription
Terminator
end point of transcription
General transcription factors
essential to allow initiation of transcription of genes by Pol II - help Pol II recognize and bind to promotors
Basal transcription complex - initiating transcription only at low rate
TFIID (transcription factor for Pol II)
general transcription factor
complex of several proteins, contains TBP - binds to TATA box
TATA box
DNA sequence area in promotor region - always found in genes transcribed by Pol II
Acts as a binding site for general transcription factor, needed for binding of Pol II
TBP (TATA binding protein)
part of TFIID; binds to TATA box
Distorts DNA and directs other components of general transcription complex & Pol II to promoter - formation of transcriptional initiation complex
High rates of transcriptional initiation require
additional factors bound to other DNA sequences - GC-rich sequences (bind transcription factor SP-1) & CAAT box (binds transcription factor NF1) & enhancer elements (located further upstream of the promoter)
Actively transcribed regions of genome are more
Relaxed than inactive regions
Death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides)
extremely poisonous fungus
contains toxin alpha-amanitin - inhibitor of Poll II (blocks synthesis of mRNA)
Results in massive liver failure - mRNA degraded during metabolism
No antidote
Rifampicin
antibiotic, inhibitor of RNA polymerase found in bacteria
Eukaryotic Pol II is unaffected - selectively kill bacteria (antibiotic against Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
Capping
RNA processing modification at 5’ end of pre-mRNA
“Cap” structure allows cell to distinguish mRNA molecules
Important for further processing & export