TRANSCRIPTION SBI 4UI – 5.3
Transcription DNA mRNA In the nucleus
Initiation Begins when RNA polymerase binds to DNA segment to be copied Opens the double helix
Initiation RNAP binds to what is called the promoter DNA upstream of the gene to be transcribed Consists of a string of A’s and T’s Prior to the “start” codon
Elongation RNAP has opened the double helix during initiation mRNA begins to be built 5’ to 3’ direction DNA strand used for replication is called the template strand Strand not used is called the coding strand Proceeds in the same manner as DNA replication Except uracil instead of thymine
Termination mRNA synthesized until end of gene reached End is recognized by a terminator sequence Newly synthesized mRNA dissociates from DNA template
Hasta La Vista, mRNA!
Posttranscriptional Modifications After transcription the mRNA product is known as a primary transcript 5’ cap is added Protects mRNA Poly-A polymerase adds ~200 adenine ribonucleotides Known as capping and tailing
Posttranscriptional Modifications DNA comprised of Coding regions – exons Noncoding regions – introns Introns to not code for part of the protein Must be removed Spliceosome proteins cut introns and join exons mRNA exits nucleus Introns remain are degraded in the nucleus
The Final Product Initiation Elongation Termination Posttranscriptional modifications Leads to… mRNA transcript Errors during transcription Protein susceptible to degradation once synthesized
The Final Product
Questions?
To Do Section 5.3 Understanding Concepts #1-9