Transcription factors

Definition

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. They play a critical role in gene expression and operon control in microbial genetics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transcription factors can act as activators or repressors of gene expression.
2. They often function by binding to promoter or enhancer regions of DNA.
3. In prokaryotes, transcription factors are essential for the regulation of operons such as the lac operon.
4. Transcription factors can interact with RNA polymerase to enhance or inhibit its ability to synthesize mRNA.
5. The activity of transcription factors can be influenced by environmental signals and cellular conditions.

Review Questions

• What roles do transcription factors play in microbial gene regulation?
• How do transcription factors interact with promoter regions?
• Can you explain how an activator and a repressor transcription factor differ?

Related terms

Operon:

A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, regulated together.

Promoter:

A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

RNA Polymerase:

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription.