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Related Concept Videos

Transcription Initiation01:47

Transcription Initiation

16.5K
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...
16.5K
Transcription01:17

Transcription

22.8K
Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA sequence by RNA polymerase. It is the first step in producing a protein from a gene sequence. Additionally, many other proteins and regulatory sequences are involved in correctly synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA). Transcriptional regulation is responsible for the differentiation of different types of cells and often for the proper cellular response to environmental signals.
Transcription Can Produce Different Kinds of RNA Molecules
In eukaryotes,...
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Bacterial Transcription01:53

Bacterial Transcription

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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:
28.3K
Energy to Drive Translocation01:37

Energy to Drive Translocation

2.1K
Mitochondrial protein import is powered by two distinct energy sources: ATP hydrolysis and electrochemical potential across the inner membrane. Newly synthesized precursors are bound by cytosolic chaperones of the Hsp70 family, which guide them to the import receptors on the mitochondrial surface. Utilizing the energy of ATP hydrolysis, Hsp70 chaperones transfer these precursors to the TOM receptors on the mitochondrial outer membrane.
Generally, polypeptides are unfolded by two distinct...
2.1K
Transcription Elongation Factors02:35

Transcription Elongation Factors

10.9K
Transcription elongation is a dynamic process that alters depending upon the sequence heterogeneity of the DNA being transcribed. Hence, it is not surprising that the elongation complex's composition also varies along the way while transcribing a gene.
The transcription elongation is regulated via pausing of RNA polymerase on several occasions during transcription. In bacteria, these halts are necessary because the transcription of DNA into mRNA is coupled to the translation of that mRNA...
10.9K
Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:34

Protein Transport into the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

3.7K
Nuclear encoded mitochondrial precursors are imported to the inner membrane in a multistep process involving two separate translocons, TIM22 and TIM23. TIM23 is a cation-selective pore that remains closed by the N terminal segment of the protein. Negative charges on the TIM23 act as a receptor for the incoming precursor, pulling the positively charged matrix-targeting sequence for peptide insertion and translocation.
Transport of mitochondrial precursors across the TIM23 channel is driven by...
3.7K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Discrimintion and Mapping of the Primary and Processed Transcripts in Maize Mitochondrion Using a Circular RT-PCR-based Strategy
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Structures illustrate step-by-step mitochondrial transcription initiation.

Quinten Goovaerts1,2, Jiayu Shen3, Brent De Wijngaert1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

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|October 11, 2023
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Summary

Mitochondrial transcription initiation involves RNA polymerase (RNAP) and Mtf1. Cryo-EM structures reveal how RNA synthesis progresses through stressed intermediates, enabling promoter escape and gene expression regulation.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Gene Expression

Background:

  • Transcription initiation is a critical regulatory step in gene expression.
  • Mitochondria utilize a unique single-subunit RNA polymerase (RNAP) for transcription.
  • Previous studies elucidated yeast and human mitochondrial RNAP initiation complexes (ICs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the comprehensive, stepwise mechanism of mitochondrial transcription initiation.
  • To determine high-resolution structures of yeast mitochondrial RNAP and Mtf1 during RNA synthesis.
  • To understand the structural basis for the transition from initiation to elongation.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure determination.
  • Analysis of yeast mitochondrial RNAP and Mtf1 complexes.
  • Characterization of RNA synthesis from two to eight nucleotides.

Main Results:

  • Detailed structures show RNA-DNA accommodation via template scrunching and non-template reorganization.
  • Early initiation involves scrunching/unscrunching, leading to abortive synthesis of short RNAs.
  • A staircase-like non-template structure supports processive synthesis and facilitates promoter escape.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial transcription initiation is a finely tuned process involving dynamic structural changes.
  • Template scrunching and non-template reorganization are key to regulating RNA synthesis and promoter escape.
  • These findings provide insights into regulatory control mechanisms of gene expression.