How Does Transcription Begin?
- RNA polymerase binds to the promoter to start transcription.
- However, RNA polymerase requires the help of transcription factors.
Definition
Promoter
A promoter is a specific DNA sequence located near the start of a gene. It acts as a binding site for RNA polymerase and other proteins needed to initiate transcription.
Promoters are part of the non-codingregions of DNA. Although they don’t code for proteins, they play a critical role in gene regulation.
Role of Transcription Factors
- Transcription factors are proteins that recognize specific sequences within the promoter.
- They help recruit RNA polymerase to the correct location on the promoter.
- There are two types:
- Activator Proteins
- These bind to enhancer regions (often located far from the promoter) and interact with the promoter through DNA looping.
- They increase the likelihood of transcription by helping RNA polymerase bind more effectively.
- Activator Proteins
