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Chapter 29: Problem 2

Describe the sequence of events involved in the initiation of transcription by \(E\). coli RNA polymerase. Include in your description those features a gene must have for proper recognition and transcription by RNA polymerase.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Transcription by E.coli RNA polymerase involves the enzyme binding to the gene's promoter sequence, unwinding the DNA to expose the template strand, synthesizing the mRNA, and finally, dissociating from the DNA at the terminator sequence. For the gene's successful recognition and transcription, it requires the presence of suitable sequences (like -10 and -35 promoter regions and a terminator sequence) that signal the start and end of the gene, respectively.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the basics

To begin with, it's critical to comprehend what transcription is. This is the process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). E. coli RNA polymerase is the enzyme that catalyzes this process in E. coli bacteria.
02

Initiating transcription

Transcription begins when RNA polymerase binds to the promoter sequence of the gene. The promoter is a specific DNA sequence that signals the start of the gene and is recognized by the RNA polymerase. In E. coli, the typical promoter sequences are the -10 (TATA box) and -35 regions, named for their positions upstream of the transcription start site.
03

Opening of the DNA double helix

After RNA polymerase has bound to the promoter, it unwinds the DNA double helix to expose the template strand from which the mRNA will be synthesized.
04

RNA synthesis

The RNA polymerase begins synthesizing the mRNA molecule, reading the DNA template strand from the 3' to 5' direction, while the RNA is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.
05

Termination

Finally, when the RNA polymerase reaches a terminator sequence on the DNA strand, it releases the newly synthesized mRNA and dissociates from the DNA.
06

Features for recognition and transcription

For effective recognition and transcription by E. Coli RNA polymerase, a gene must have a suitable promoter sequence for the binding of the RNA polymerase, including the -10 and -35 regions. Also, the presence of a terminator sequence is crucial for indicating the end of the gene.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

(Integrates with Chapter 11 .) The SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex peels about 50 bp from the nucleosome. Assuming B-form DNA, how long is this DNA segment? In forming nucleosomes, DNA is wrapped in turns about the histone core octamer. What fraction of a DNA turn around the core octamer does 50 bp of DNA comprise? How does 50 bp of DNA compare to the typical size of eukaryotic promoter modules and response elements?

RNA polymerase has two binding sites for ribonucleoside triphosphates: the initiation site and the elongation site. The initiation site has a greater \(K_{m}\) for \(\mathrm{NTPs}\) than the elongation site. Suggest what possible significance this fact might have for the control of transcription in cells.

Make a list of the ways that transcription in eukaryotes differs from transcription in prokaryotes.

Chromatin decompaction is a preliminary step in gene expression (Figure \(29.46) .\) How is chromatin decompacted?

\(\mathrm{C} / \mathrm{EBP} \beta\) is a \(b Z I P\) transcription factor in neuronal differentiation, learning and memory process, and other neuronal and glial functions. The structure of the \(b Z I P\) domain of \(C / E B P \beta\) bound to DNA is shown in pdb file \(1 \mathrm{GU} 4 .\) Explore this structure to discover the leucine zipper dimerization domain and the DNA-binding basic regions. On the left side of the www.pdb.org \(1 \mathrm{GU} 4\) page under "Display Files," click "pdb file" to see the atom-by-atom coordinates in the three-dimensional structure (scroll down past "Remarks" to find this information). Toward the end of this series, find the amino acid sequence of the \(\mathrm{C} / \mathrm{EBP} \beta\) domain used in this study. Within this amino acid sequence, find the leucine residues of the leucine zipper and the basic residues in the DNA-binding basic region.
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