Lecture 8: Transcription

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to transcription, including processes, mechanisms, and terms relevant to gene expression.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Central Dogma of Biology

The framework for understanding the transfer of sequence information between biological macromolecules.

RNA-Seq

A method used to determine the quantity and sequences of RNA in a sample.

mRNA

A type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

Eukaryotic transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template in eukaryotic cells, involving complex regulatory mechanisms.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Sigma Factor

A protein that binds to RNA polymerase and facilitates its binding to specific promoters.

Transcription Bubble

The unwound region of DNA where RNA synthesis occurs during transcription.

Abortive Initiation

A frequent process during transcription where RNA polymerase synthesizes short RNA molecules that are released before full-length transcripts are produced.

Chromatin Remodeling

The process of reorganizing chromatin structure to either facilitate or inhibit access to DNA for transcription.

Histone Modifications

Chemical changes to histone proteins that can impact gene expression by altering chromatin structure.

p-Dependent Termination

A mechanism of transcription termination in prokaryotes that involves a helicase moving along the mRNA.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of a eukaryotic chromosome, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

Euchromatin

Less condensed chromatin that is generally associated with active gene transcription.

Heterochromatin

Tightly packed form of DNA that is generally transcriptionally inactive.

Luciferase

An enzyme used in bioluminescence assays to study promoter strength.

In situ Hybridization

A technique used to locate specific RNA sequences within fixed tissues.

Run Off Assays

An experiment to measure the strength and activity of promoters by analyzing the resulting transcript.

mRNA Translation

The process through which ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.