Bke2 Biochemistry Lectures

Lecture 32: Transcription, gene regulation
Reading material: Horton, Chapter 22 in 2nd Ed; 21 in 3rd Ed (Stryer: Chapters 5, 33, 36)

Abstract:Specific parts of the DNA are copied to RNA transcripts, mRNA, which are used for the protein synthesis. Genes are transcribed to mRNA molecules by RNA polymerases. In prokaryotes, there are specific DNA sequences, promoters, that are recognized by RNA polymerase. The RNA polymerase makes a complementary copy of one of the DNA strands until a terminator site is reached. Prokaryotic genes are often arranged in operons. The replication of operons are regulated by binding of repressors to specific DNA sequences that are preventing RNA polymerase binding. Activator proteins also participate in gene expression. The situation is much more complex for eukaryotes, where a number of transcriptions factors regulate gene expression.

Key concepts:
RNA structure (single stranded, has secondary structure)
Differences between DNA/RNA, (deoxyribose/ribose, thymine/uracil)
Different types of RNA: tRNA, mRNA, rRNA
Transcription
RNA polymerase
Promoter
Operon
Repressor
Activator
Transcription factors

Lecture index

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