RNA Polymerases and Transcription Processes

Molecules that can act as catalysts, similar to proteins, but are made entirely of RNA.

A hypothetical period in the early evolution of life where RNA served as both the genetic material and the primary catalytic molecule.

The process where an RNA sequence removes a portion of itself.

The ability of a molecule to make a copy of itself.

The first forms of life likely relied on RNA for both genetic information and catalysis.

The evolutionary transition from RNA as the primary genetic material to DNA.

DNA's greater stability and more precise replication made it a better choice for long-term genetic information storage compared to RNA.

The ability to catalyze chemical reactions, a key function for all life.

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA molecules in eukaryotes, with different types transcribing specific classes of RNA. For example, RNA polymerase I transcribes rRNA, while RNA polymerase II transcribes pre-mRNAs and some snRNAs.

A specific type of eukaryotic RNA polymerase that transcribes ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which is a crucial component of the ribosome responsible for protein synthesis.

A specific type of eukaryotic RNA polymerase that transcribes messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

A specific type of eukaryotic RNA polymerase that transcribes transfer RNA (tRNA), involved in translating genetic information into proteins, and other small RNA molecules like snRNAs and some miRNAs.

The first stage of transcription where the transcription apparatus assembles on the promoter, initiating the synthesis of RNA.

The second stage of transcription where DNA is unwound and RNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing RNA strand, elongating the RNA molecule.

The final stage of transcription where the RNA molecule is released from the DNA template, signaling the end of the transcription process.

A deadly toxin produced by death cap mushrooms that inhibits RNA polymerase II, interfering with transcription and leading to cell death.

Archaea possess a protein similar to eukaryotic histones, which help compact their DNA into nucleosome-like structures.

Archaeal RNA polymerase shares a striking similarity to eukaryotic RNA Polymerase II in terms of structure (number of subunits) and amino acid sequence.

The promoter region in archaeal DNA contains a TATA box sequence, similar to eukaryotic promoters, located about 27 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site.

Transcription in archaea utilizes a TATA-binding protein (TBP) and TFIIB, both essential for eukaryotic transcription, but not found in bacteria.

Transcription in archaea, while showing similarities to eukaryotes, also exhibits bacterial characteristics in its regulatory mechanisms.

The sequence of bases in a DNA strand that determines which strand will serve as the template for transcription, ultimately defining the direction of transcription.

The specific point on the DNA template strand where transcription begins.

The process where RNA polymerase repeatedly generates and releases short RNA transcripts (2-6 nucleotides) while still bound to the promoter.

A protein subunit that helps RNA polymerase recognize and bind to the promoter region of DNA.

The region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds and initiates transcription.

The process by which RNA polymerase changes its shape after initiation, allowing it to escape the promoter and begin transcribing downstream.

The region of DNA that is unwound by RNA polymerase during transcription, forming a bubble-like structure.

RNA Polymerase checks its work by backtracking and removing the last two nucleotides if it detects a mismatch with the DNA template. It then continues transcription from that point.

The sequence in DNA that signals RNA Polymerase to stop transcribing.

A type of terminator that requires a specific protein called Rho factor to function.

The DNA sequence upstream of a Rho-dependent terminator that binds to the Rho factor.

Rho factor unwinds the DNA-RNA hybrid to stop transcription.

A type of terminator that does not require the Rho factor to terminate transcription.

Sequences in a Rho-independent terminator that are inverted and complementary to each other.

A common structural feature in Rho-independent terminators, formed by inverted repeats, that serves as a signal for termination.

A single RNA molecule containing multiple genes, commonly seen in bacteria. These genes are transcribed together and terminate at a single point.

The process of synthesizing RNA from DNA. It involves three main stages: Initiation, Elongation, and Termination.

A region in a DNA molecule that includes the promoter, the coding sequence, and the terminator, all of which are required for the synthesis of a specific RNA

The region of DNA that codes for a specific RNA molecule. This region is transcribed into RNA during transcription.