Regulation of Transcription and Translation

Question 1

What is a transcription factor?

Answer 1

A molecule that binds to DNA and stimulates the transcription of a gene

Question 2

Describe the process in which oestrogen regulates the transcription of a gene

Answer 2

Oestrogen is lipid soluble so diffuses through the cell membrane via simple diffusion
Oestrogen binds to receptor molecule on transcription factor, causing the transcription factor to change shape and changing shape of its DNA binding site
Transcription factor enters nucleus via nuclear pores and binds to specific base sequences, allowing transcription of the gene