Initiation

• RNA polymerase binds to template DNA at promoter (sequence before start of gene) by recognizing TATA (lost of A, T)

• DNA strands are seperated (like helicase)

Elongation

• RNA polymerase synthesizes complementary RNA strands 3’ direction

• no primer necessary

• while DNA is opened, many RNA polymerases may be active synthesizing many RNA strands

Termination

• RNA polymerase recognizes termination sequence and dissociates from DNA

• RNA also dissociates and leaves nucleus via nuclear pores into cytosol

Post-Transcription Modifications

• RNA known as pre-mRNA

• Must me modified before it can leave the nucleus

  • addition of poly-A tail

  • prevents degredation

• Removal of introns (non-coding regions) and splicing of exons (coding regions )

  • makes mRNA functional

  • alternative splicing can produce difference mRNAs from the same pre-mRNA