A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to start transcription of a gene.
In bacteria, the -10 (Pribnow) and -35 boxes bind sigma factor; in eukaryotes the TATA box around -25 binds TBP, part of TFIID, and recruits general transcription factors and Pol II. Promoter strength affects expression level.
Mutations in a promoter can reduce or raise gene expression.
A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to start transcription of a gene.
Promoter is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include RNA Polymerase, Initiation, Elongation, Termination, Transcription.
In synthetic biology, different promoters are used to tune how much protein is made.
Work through the Beginner topics in Molecular Biology first, such as Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing, then return to Promoter. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Promoter are RNA Polymerase, Initiation, Elongation, Termination, Transcription, Mediator Complex. 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 Promoter. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Promoter: A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to start transcription of a gene. RNA Polymerase: The enzyme that builds an RNA strand complementary to the template DNA during transcription. 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 RNA Polymerase and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The enzyme that builds an RNA strand complementary to the template DNA during transcription.
🧫 Molecular BiologyThe three stages of translation: assembly at the start codon, chain growth, and release at a stop codon.
🧫 Molecular BiologyThe process of making an RNA copy of a gene using DNA as a template.
🧫 Molecular BiologyA large multi-protein assembly that links enhancer-bound transcription factors to RNA polymerase II.
🧫 Molecular Biology