Overview of Transcription Nomenclature

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts related to transcription nomenclature, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription processes, promoter structures, and the role of transcription factors.

Template Strand

The DNA strand that is used as a template for RNA synthesis during transcription.

Non-Template Strand

The DNA strand that is not used as a template for transcription and has the same sequence as the RNA transcript (except for thymine which is replaced by uracil).

Coding Region

A segment of DNA that contains the information needed to produce a protein.

Non-Coding Region

A segment of DNA that does not code for proteins and may have regulatory functions.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that initiates transcription of a gene; located upstream of the transcription start site.

Transcription Start Site

The location on the DNA where transcription begins, designated as +1.

Downstream

Regions of DNA that are located in the direction of transcription, denoted by positive numbers.

Upstream

Regions of DNA that are located in the opposite direction of transcription, denoted by negative numbers.

Consensus Sequence

A sequence of DNA that is highly conserved and commonly found in specific regions of a promoter.

Pribnow Box

A specific region within the promoter of prokaryotic genes involved in the initiation of transcription, typically located at -10.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

RNA Polymerase I

The enzyme that transcribes ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in eukaryotes.

RNA Polymerase II

The enzyme that transcribes messenger RNA (mRNA) in eukaryotes.

RNA Polymerase III

The enzyme that transcribes transfer RNA (tRNA) in eukaryotes.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that help regulate the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

TATA Box

A DNA sequence within the promoter region crucial for the binding of transcription factors and RNA polymerase II.

C-Terminal Domain (CTD)

A region of the RNA polymerase II that undergoes phosphorylation to initiate transcription.

TFIIH

A general transcription factor involved in DNA unwinding and phosphorylation during transcription initiation.

Eukaryotic RNA Processing

The modifications a primary RNA transcript undergoes including splicing, capping, and polyadenylation.

Splicing

The process of removing introns from a pre-mRNA transcript and joining exons together.

Capping

The addition of a 5' cap to the mRNA molecule, important for stability and initiation of translation.

Polyadenylation

The addition of a poly(A) tail at the 3' end of mRNA to enhance stability and export from the nucleus.

Alternative Splicing

A process by which the same gene can lead to multiple mRNA isoforms by including or excluding certain exons.

Basal Transcription Level

The minimum level of transcription that occurs in the absence of regulatory factors.

Regulated Transcription

Transcription that is controlled by upstream signals and regulatory elements affecting gene expression.

Gene Expression

The process by which the information in a gene is used to synthesize proteins.

Protein Diversity

The variety of different proteins that can be produced from a single gene through alternative splicing and modifications.

Organism Complexity

The degree of complexity in an organism's structure and function, influenced by gene expression and protein diversity.

Regulatory Elements

DNA sequences that control the transcription of genes, often located far from the promoter.

Communication of External Signals

The process through which cells receive and respond to signals from their environment affecting transcription.

Transcription Activation

The process by which transcription factors enhance the transcription of a specific gene.

Transcription Repression

The process by which transcription factors inhibit the transcription of a specific gene.