Proteins that bind specific DNA sequences to turn genes on or off.
They have DNA-binding domains (zinc finger, helix-turn-helix, leucine zipper) and activation domains. Combinatorial control means a few hundred factors can specify thousands of gene patterns. About 1,600 are encoded in the human genome.
Proteins that bind specific DNA sequences to turn genes on or off.
Transcription Factors 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 Translational Control, Enhancers and Silencers, Ubiquitin-Proteasome System.
P53 activates repair and apoptosis genes in response to DNA damage.
Work through the Beginner topics in Molecular Biology first, such as Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing, then return to Transcription Factors. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Transcription Factors are Translational Control, Enhancers and Silencers, Ubiquitin-Proteasome System, Helicase and Topoisomerase. 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 Transcription Factors. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Transcription Factors: Proteins that bind specific DNA sequences to turn genes on or off. Translational Control: Regulation of protein synthesis rate through initiation factors, upstream open reading frames and mRNA stability. 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 Translational Control and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Regulation of protein synthesis rate through initiation factors, upstream open reading frames and mRNA stability.
🧫 Molecular BiologyDistant regulatory DNA elements that increase or decrease transcription via looping to the promoter.
🧫 Molecular BiologyUbiquitin tagging marks proteins for destruction by the proteasome to control protein levels.
🧫 Molecular BiologyHelicase unwinds the double helix at the fork while topoisomerase relieves the supercoiling strain ahead of it.
🧫 Molecular Biology