Transcription

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Eukaryotic transcription

More complex than bacterial transcription, involving multiple RNA polymerases and the need for primary RNA processing.

Introns

Non-coding sequences in pre-mRNA that are removed during RNA splicing.

Exons

Coding sequences in pre-mRNA that are retained and expressed in mature mRNA after splicing.

5' cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNA, important for stability and ribosome binding.

Polyadenylation

The addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of mRNA, enhancing stability and transport out of the nucleus.

Alternative splicing

A process that allows a single gene to produce multiple mRNA variants and thus different protein products.

Spliceosome

A complex of proteins and snRNA that catalyzes the splicing of pre-mRNA.

qPCR

Quantitative PCR; a technique used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted DNA molecule.

RT-PCR

Reverse transcriptase PCR; a technique for amplifying RNA by first converting it to cDNA.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that initiates transcription, where RNA polymerase binds to begin synthesis.

Sigma factor

A protein that associates with RNA polymerase to facilitate binding to specific promoters in bacterial transcription.

Transcription bubble

The region of unwound DNA during transcription that allows RNA synthesis to occur.

Capping

The addition of a 5' cap to mRNA, which aids in mRNA stability and initiation of translation.

Poly(A) signal

A sequence in the 3' UTR of a pre-mRNA that signals for the addition of the poly(A) tail.

Rho-dependent termination

A mechanism of transcription termination in bacteria that requires the Rho factor.

Rho-independent termination

A mechanism of transcription termination in bacteria that relies on the formation of a hairpin loop in the RNA.

General transcription factors

Proteins that bind to the core promoter and are necessary for the recruitment of RNA polymerase in eukaryotic transcription.

RNA editing

The process of modifying the nucleotide sequence of an RNA molecule after transcription.

Nucleotide

The building block of RNA and DNA, composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and a base.

Hairpin structure

A secondary RNA structure formed by inverted repeats that can play roles in regulation and termination.

Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique used to separate biomolecules based on size and charge.

Southern blot

A method used to detect specific DNA sequences in DNA samples.

Northern blot

A technique used to study gene expression by detection of RNA in a sample.

Western blot

A technique used for detecting specific proteins in a sample using gel electrophoresis and antibodies.