Transcription Factors and Intracellular Drug Targets

Flashcards covering key concepts related to transcription factors and intracellular drug targets.

Transcription factors are __ that bind to DNA and help recruit the appropriate polymerase.

proteins

The central dogma by Francis Crick in 1958 states that "DNA makes __ which makes protein."

RNA

Transcription is facilitated by __ and transcription factors.

RNA polymerase

The process of translating mRNA molecule to a sequence of __ occurs during protein synthesis.

amino acids

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) can act as or depending on the ER in the tissue.

agonists; antagonists

Every gene expression involves the process of __, which is the synthesis of a functional gene product.

gene expression

Intracellular receptors such as steroid and thyroid hormones act as __ that regulate transcription.

transcription factors

RNA polymerase I transcribes __, which are essential for the process of translation.

ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs)

The primary function of estrogen is the development of __ characteristics in females.

secondary sexual

In the absence of estrogen, estrogen receptors are __ and have no influence on DNA.

inactive

Tamoxifen acts as an antagonist in breast tissue, inhibiting __ growth of breast cancer.

estrogen-dependent

What is the role of RNA in gene expression?

RNA serves as the template for protein synthesis, carrying the code from DNA to the ribosomes.

Define 'transcription' in the context of molecular biology.

Transcription is the process by which the information in a segment of DNA is copied into mRNA.

What is the significance of ribosomal RNAs in protein synthesis?

Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) make up the structural and functional core of ribosomes, facilitating the translation of mRNA into proteins.

What are agonists and antagonists in relation to estrogen receptors?

Agonists activate estrogen receptors to promote cellular responses, while antagonists block these receptors, inhibiting responses.

Describe the function of transcription factors in gene regulation.

Transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences to control the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to mRNA.