Eukaryotic Transcription Overview

These flashcards cover the essential concepts of eukaryotic transcription, including processes, components, and terminology.

Where does eukaryotic transcription occur?

In the nucleus, separate from translation in the cytoplasm.

What percentage of the human genome is made up of protein-coding genes?

Less than 2%.

What are cis-acting elements?

DNA sequences near the gene they regulate.

What is the role of trans-acting factors?

Proteins that bind to cis-elements to regulate transcription.

What are promoters?

Regions required for transcription initiation, including core and proximal elements.

What do proximal promoter elements do?

Increase transcription frequency when located near the start site.

What are long-range regulatory elements?

Enhancers and silencers that regulate transcription from a distance.

What is the function of locus control regions?

Help maintain open chromatin and facilitate DNA looping.

Which enzyme synthesizes RNA in eukaryotic transcription?

RNA Polymerase II.

What is the role of general transcription factors?

Assist in promoter recognition and DNA unwinding.

What complex relays signals from transcription factors to RNA Polymerase II?

Mediator complex.

What is the first step in pre-initiation complex formation?

TFIID binds the TATA box.

What happens during the initiation phase of transcription?

DNA unwinds forming a transcription bubble; transcription begins without a primer.

What involves the phosphorylation of RNA Pol II CTD?

Promoter clearance.

What type of hybrid is formed during transcription elongation?

Transient DNA-RNA hybrid.

What is known about termination in eukaryotic transcription?

It is not fully understood but likely involves stem-loop formation.

What occurs after transcript release?

Polyadenylation.