transcription

Introduction

The transfer of genetic information from one kind of nucleic acid to another, especially with reference to the process by which a base sequence of RNA is synthesized on a template of complementary DNA.

Transcription initiation:

• see transcription initiation factor

Transcription elongation:

• RNA polymerase 2 transcribes genes into mRNA at ~ 50 bases/sec

Transcription termination:

• cleavage at the polyadenylation site liberates a 5' fragment which is subsequently processed to form the mature mRNA & a 3' fragment which remains attached to the elongating RNA polymerase 2
• the processive degradation of this 3' fragment by 5'-3' exoribonuclease 2 (XRN2) may promote termination of transcription

More general terms

• template-directed reaction

Additional terms

• transcription factor (TF)
• transcription factor binding site