RNA Transcription and Maturation

These flashcards cover the key concepts of RNA transcription and maturation, including processes like splicing and the roles of various protein factors.

What is the function of the TATA box in transcription?

The TATA box serves as a promoter for RNA polymerase and transcription factors to bind and initiate transcription.

What is the role of transcription factor TF2H?

TF2H has helicase properties that help unwind DNA, allowing RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.

What is the significance of the terminator sequence in RNA transcription?

The terminator sequence, rich in guanine and uracil, signals the end of transcription and allows for the formation of a stem-loop structure.

What are enhancers and where are they located relative to the promoter?

Enhancers are regulatory sequences that can be located far from the promoter and can loop to bind to the transcription complex, enhancing transcription.

What is alternative splicing?

Alternative splicing is the process by which different combinations of exons are joined together to produce multiple RNA transcripts from a single gene.

What modification occurs to mRNA at the 5' end during maturation?

A 5' methyl cap is added to stabilize the mRNA and protect it from degradation.

What is the process of splicing in mRNA maturation?

Splicing removes introns and connects exons to produce a functional mRNA molecule.

What is the polyadenylation process in mRNA maturation?

Polyadenylation adds a tail of adenine nucleotides (poly-A tail) to the 3' end of mRNA, which is important for nuclear export and stability.

What is the role of snRNPs in mRNA splicing?

snRNPs (small nuclear ribonucleoproteins) recognize splice sites and facilitate the splicing process by forming a spliceosome.

What is the impact of methylation on gene expression?

Methylation is a mechanism that can silence gene expression, preventing transcription from occurring.