Unit I2 Flashcards
What are two pieces of evidence for DNA being the template for transcription?
- DNase removes the central branches
- RNase removes the smaller branches
What are the three steps to transcription?
- Initiation
- Elongation
- Termination
What is the central dogma of genetics?
- DNA (gene/template strand)
Transcription - mRNA (codons)
Translation - Protein (Polymer of AA)
What is transcription?
The synthesis of an mRNA molecule from a DNA template strand
What is a consensus sequence?
A consensus sequence is the set of the most encountered nucleotides among sequences that possess considerable similarity.
How do conserved sequences relate to initiation of transcription?
Consensus sequences are found upstream of the start site
More specifically there are two consensus sequences, one found -10 bp upstream and another -35 bp a little further upstream
What happens during Step 1: Initiation (in bacteria) of transcription?
First, RNA holoenzyme recognizes promoter via sigma factor
Next, holoenzyme unwinds DNA, RNA synthesis begins from template (no primer needed) and sigma releases
What forms the holoenzyme?
The sigma factor and core RNA polymerase enzyme
- What is the difference between the template and non-template strand in a gene?
The template strand is used for transcription while the non-template strand is not
What is the base sequence of the template strand at the -35 consensus sequence?
TTGACA
What is the base sequence of the template strand at the -10 consensus sequence?
TATAAT
If pyrimidines together are the consensus, what is written?
Y
If purines are the the consensus, what is written?
R
What is written if cytosine and guanine are equally common?
C/G
What happens during Step 2: Elongation in bacteria?
After sigma is released, RNA polymerase core enzyme builds a complementary RNA copy of the DNA template