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Related Concept Videos

Bacterial RNA Polymerase00:43

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
Bacterial RNA Polymerase00:43

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
Bacterial Transcription01:53

Bacterial Transcription

RNA polymerase (RNAP) carries out DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Bacteria do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. So, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, on the same DNA template.
Transcription can be divided into three main stages, each involving distinct DNA sequences to guide the polymerase. These are:
Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases00:58

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases

RNA Polymerase (RNAP) is conserved in all animals, with bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic RNAPs sharing significant sequence, structural, and functional similarities. Among the three eukaryotic RNAPs, RNA Polymerase II is most similar to bacterial RNAP in terms of both structural organization and folding topologies of the enzyme subunits. However, these similarities are not reflected in their mechanism of action.
All three eukaryotic RNAPs require specific transcription factors, of which the...
Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases00:58

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases

RNA Polymerase (RNAP) is conserved in all animals, with bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic RNAPs sharing significant sequence, structural, and functional similarities. Among the three eukaryotic RNAPs, RNA Polymerase II is most similar to bacterial RNAP in terms of both structural organization and folding topologies of the enzyme subunits. However, these similarities are not reflected in their mechanism of action.
All three eukaryotic RNAPs require specific transcription factors, of which the...
Transcription Initiation01:47

Transcription Initiation

Initiation is the first step of transcription in eukaryotes. Prokaryotic RNA Polymerase (RNAP) can bind to the template DNA and start transcribing. On the other hand, transcription in eukaryotes requires additional proteins, called transcription factors, to first bind to the promoter region in the DNA template. This binding helps recruit the specific RNAP that can assemble on the DNA and start transcription.
The promoters and enhancers and their accessory proteins allow tight regulation of...

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DNA Polymerase Activity Assay Using Near-infrared Fluorescent Labeled DNA Visualized by Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
07:38

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Published on: October 6, 2017

Molecular evolution of multisubunit RNA polymerases: sequence analysis.

William J Lane1, Seth A Darst

  • 1The Rockefeller University, Box 224, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.

Journal of Molecular Biology
|November 10, 2009
PubMed
Summary

This study presents comprehensive sequence alignments of multisubunit RNA polymerases across diverse life forms. The analysis reveals shared regions and lineage-specific domains crucial for transcription regulation in bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, viruses, and plants.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Multisubunit RNA polymerases are essential for transcription in all cellular organisms.
  • Previous studies identified conserved regions but lacked comprehensive analysis of lineage-specific variations.
  • RNA polymerases possess domain insertions critical for diverse molecular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create comprehensive multiple sequence alignments of multisubunit RNA polymerase large subunits.
  • To identify and analyze shared sequence regions and lineage-specific domain insertions.
  • To investigate the intergenic gap between bacterial beta and beta' genes.

Main Methods:

  • Compiled extensive sequence data for bacterial, archaeal, eukaryotic, viral, and plastid RNA polymerases.
  • Developed an automated system to handle challenges like large sequences and domain insertions.
  • Generated multiple sequence alignments and analyzed conserved and specific regions.

Main Results:

  • Established extensive alignments encompassing diverse RNA polymerase families.
  • Identified a broader set of conserved regions and detailed bacterial lineage-specific domain insertions.
  • Characterized the intergenic region between bacterial beta and beta' genes.

Conclusions:

  • The comprehensive alignments provide a foundation for understanding RNA polymerase evolution and function.
  • Lineage-specific domains are key determinants of functional diversity across different organisms.
  • Further analysis of these alignments can illuminate regulatory mechanisms and protein interactions.