A large multi-protein assembly that links enhancer-bound transcription factors to RNA polymerase II.
With around 30 subunits, Mediator relays regulatory signals from enhancer-bound factors to the pre-initiation complex and RNA polymerase II. It is essential for most transcription.
Cryo-EM structures show how it contacts Pol II.
A large multi-protein assembly that links enhancer-bound transcription factors to RNA polymerase II.
Mediator Complex is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Enhancers and Silencers, Promoter, Chromatin Remodelling.
Mutations in Mediator subunits are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers.
Work through the Beginner topics in Molecular Biology first, such as Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing, then return to Mediator Complex. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Mediator Complex are Enhancers and Silencers, Promoter, Chromatin Remodelling, Initiation, Elongation, Termination. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Mediator Complex. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Mediator Complex: A large multi-protein assembly that links enhancer-bound transcription factors to RNA polymerase II. Enhancers and Silencers: Distant regulatory DNA elements that increase or decrease transcription via looping to the promoter. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Enhancers and Silencers and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Distant regulatory DNA elements that increase or decrease transcription via looping to the promoter.
🧫 Molecular BiologyA DNA sequence where RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to start transcription of a gene.
🧫 Molecular BiologyATP-dependent complexes slide or evict nucleosomes to control access to DNA.
🧫 Molecular BiologyThe three stages of translation: assembly at the start codon, chain growth, and release at a stop codon.
🧫 Molecular Biology