Transcription factors

Question 1

define transcription factors

Answer 1

proteins that control the rate of protein synthesis by switching genes on and off

Question 2

promoter region

Answer 2

short sequence of DNA at the start of a gene

Question 3

what is an example of something which binds to the promoter region?

Answer 3

DNA/RNA polymerase

Question 4

transcription factor stages :

Answer 4

1. transcription factor moves from cytoplasm into nucleus
2. it binds to the promoter region
3. • ACTIVATORS help RNA polymerase to bind –> gene is transcribed
   • REPRESSORS prevent RNA polymerase binding –> gene not transcribed

Question 5

what is oestrogen and what does it do?

Answer 5

• oestrogen is a steroid hormone
• binds to oestrogen receptor in cytoplasm
• forming oestrogen-oestrogen receptor complex, changing its shape so it becomes functional