Theme 2- Module 1 (Transcription) Flashcards
What does central dogma propose?
DNA Encodes RNA, RNA Encodes Protein. The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information in cells from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) to protein. It states that genes specify the sequence of mRNA molecules, which in turn specify the sequence of proteins
Is RNA double-stranded or single stranded? What about DNA?
RNA = single
DNA = double
Does RNA run parallel or antiparallel to DNA?
Antiparallel
What is the first step of transcription?
RNA Polymerase attaches to specific promoter regions of the DNA
Where are the promoter regions located with respect to the gene of interest?
Upstream of the gene (5’ relative)
Once transcription is initiated, which way will RNA Polymerase move along the DNA?
3’ to 5’ direction
What stops transcription of a particular gene?
Nucleotide sequence on template strand known as the terminator will stop transcription and release RNA transcript
Where is the terminator located?
At the end of a specific gene
True or false: Only one strand of DNA serves as a template for RNA. The other strand is never a template
False
Both strands can serve as templates, but only one at a time
What is the significance of TATAAT in prokaryotes?
It is a consensus nucleotide sequence that is positioned 10 base pairs upstream of the transcription site and serves as part of the promoter region
What is a consensus sequence?
A sequence of DNA having similar structure and function in different organisms.
What is another example of a consensus sequence in prokaryotes (besides the tata box)? Where is it located?
TTGCCA
Located 35 nucleotides upstream of the gene
If the DNA already has the TATAAT sequence, what is the purpose of additional sequences?
To enhance the rate of transcription
What are sigma factors?
Proteins that facilitate the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter region of the DNA (IN PROKARYOTES)
What happens when RNA poly binds to a sigma factor on the DNA strand?
Creates a holoenzyme that unwinds the double stranded helix and allows transcription to occur
How do sigma factors assist with turning genes on and off?
There are various diff sigma factors that all bind to their respective promotor regions; this way you can transcribe diff types of genes
Where does the actual process of transcription occur?
RNA Polymerase Enzyme
What happens inside of the transcription bubble of the RNA Polymerase?
The template and complementary strand are revealed inside of the transcription bubble.
RNA Poly catalyzes the production of an antiparallel RNA strand complementary to the DNA (creates an RNA-DNA duplex)
The template strand is being “read” in which direction?
3’ to 5’
In which direction is the RNA being synthesized?
5’ to 3’
In which direction does RNA poly move from the promoter region?
a) Upstream
b) Downstream
B
Downstream