3.2 Transcription and RNA Processing

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to transcription initiation, RNA processing, and splicing mechanisms.

General transcription factors

Proteins that assist RNA polymerase II in positioning at the promoter, unwinding DNA, and initiating transcription.

TATA binding protein (TBP)

A subunit of TFIID that binds to the TATA box, distorting DNA and attracting other transcription factors.

TFIIB

A general transcription factor that binds to the BRE element.

TFIIA

A transcription factor that stabilizes the binding of TFIID at the promoter region.

TFIIF

A transcription factor that helps stabilize interactions between RNAPII and TFIIB.

TFIIH

A transcription factor that unwinds DNA using ATP hydrolysis and phosphorylates the CTD of RNAPII.

CTD (C-terminal domain)

A domain of RNAPII that coordinates RNA processing and elongation by binding to relevant proteins.

5' capping

The addition of a 7-methylguanosine cap to the 5' end of nascent RNA to protect it and assist in processing.

Splicing

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

snRNPs (small nuclear ribonucleoproteins)

Components of the spliceosome, made of small nuclear RNA and protein subunits.

Lariat structure

A loop formed during splicing when the intron is cut and covalently linked to an adenine residue.

Polycistronic RNA

Type of mRNA that can encode multiple proteins, typically found in prokaryotes.

Monocistronic RNA

Type of mRNA that encodes a single protein, typical in eukaryotes.

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs)

Channels in the nuclear membrane that transport mature mRNA from the nucleus to the cytosol.

hnRNPs (heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear proteins)

Proteins that assist in RNA processing and packaging of introns during transcription.