Name: transcription and rna synthesis
Uploaded: 2023-06-23T15:38:45.000Z
Duration: 1 min 17 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Georgia Standards of Excellence

9-12

Biology

SB2.a

Transcription

Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
On the template DNA, the transcription pre-initiation complex assembles around the core promoter of a gene. The promoter includes the TATA box and an Initiator sequence. The general transcription factors bind at the TATA box, while the initiator sequence contains the transcription start site.
Once the necessary components are bound, the preinitiation complex unwinds a short stretch of the DNA upstream of the transcription start site. After that, the general transcription factors get dissociated from the strand and the RNA polymerase begins producing a new strand of mRNA.
Nucleotides are added one by one, and synthesis of the mRNA occurs in a five prime to three prime direction, reading from the template strand, except the thymidines are replaced by uridines.
This newly-created mRNA strand represents a copy of the information in the coding strand. The synthesis will continue until a termination sequence is encountered, which will release the newly-made mRNA.

transcription

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, the DNA is first transcribed into pre-mRNA, which can be further processed into a mature mRNA to serve as a template for the synthesis of proteins. However, in prokaryotes, RNA translation into polypeptides can begin while the transcription is still ongoing. Transcription can also produce different kinds of RNA molecules that do not code for protein, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA)&#8212;all of which affect protein synthesis.
Regulation of Transcription Is Central to Development
With few exceptions, all the cells in the human body have the same genetic information, but different cell types differentially regulate transcription during development. Specifically, transcriptional regulation plays a central role in cellular differentiation&#8212;the process of producing specialized cells, such as muscle cells, from the less specialized precursor cells. Some genes in the precursor cells must be turned on and others turned off to produce the specialized cells.
This process of cellular differentiation is orchestrated by DNA-binding proteins called transcription factors that control the level of transcription of genes. For example, during early vertebrate development, cells in the ectoderm layer of the developing embryo receive several induction signals from proteins such as BMP, WNT, and SHH. These signals activate transcription factors that turn a host of genes on or off. In this way, transcriptional regulation determines whether ectoderm cells become skin cells or cells of the nervous system.

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. ...

Education

JoVE Core

Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 1

Essential Cellular Processes

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

transcription and rna synthesis

Transcription is the process of making RNA from a DNA template. It is a key step in gene expression, because cells use the DNA sequence to build an RNA copy that can carry the message forward.

During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to DNA and reads one strand as the template. The enzyme links RNA nucleotides together in the correct order to form a growing RNA molecule. This copying step does not make DNA; it produces RNA.

The transcript focuses on the central idea of transcription as DNA to RNA transfer. Understanding this process helps students see how genetic information moves from the genome into a form the cell can use.

Transcription and RNA Synthesis

the central dogma

Central Dogma: DNA to Protein

The central dogma explains how genetic information flows in cells from DNA to RNA to protein. It is a core idea in molecular biology and helps show how genes influence cell function. DNA stores the instructions. During transcription, a cell copies a gene into RNA, which is a related nucleic acid. That RNA message can then be used in translation to build a protein. Proteins carry out many jobs in cells and help determine traits. The central dogma links the genetic code in DNA to the molecules...

replication in eukaryotes

Eukaryotic DNA Copying at the Replication Fork

Eukaryotic DNA copying happens at replication forks, where the two DNA strands separate and new strands are built. This process lets a cell make an exact copy of its genetic material before it divides. The transcript explains that eukaryotic replication follows the same basic steps seen in other DNA replication systems, but it takes place in cells with a nucleus. The replication machinery works on each separated strand as a template, so the new DNA matches the original sequence. This topic is...

types of rna

RNA Types in Gene Expression

RNA types play different roles in gene expression. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, helps carry and use genetic information in cells. The main types discussed here are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA. Messenger RNA, or mRNA, carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome. The ribosome is the site where proteins are made. Ribosomal RNA, or rRNA, is a key part of the ribosome itself. Transfer RNA, or tRNA, brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein building. These...

Transcription is the process of making RNA from a DNA template. It is a key step in gene expression, because cells use the DNA sequence to build an RNA copy that can carry the message forward. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to DNA and reads one strand as the template. The enzyme links RNA nucleotides together in the correct order to form a growing RNA molecule. This copying step does not make DNA; it produces RNA. The transcript focuses on the central idea of transcription as DNA...

translation

Translation: mRNA to Protein

Translation is the step in gene expression where ribosomes use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to build a protein. The mRNA sequence carries the instructions copied from DNA. During translation, those instructions are read in order so the cell can make a specific chain of amino acids. This process depends on the ribosome and transfer RNA, or tRNA. The ribosome reads the mRNA, and tRNA brings the matching amino acids. As the chain grows, the amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide, which...

regulation of expression at multiple steps

regulation-of-expression-at-multiple-steps

How Cells Control Gene Expression

Cells control gene expression at several stages, from making RNA to building protein. These checkpoints include transcription, RNA processing, RNA localization, and translation. Together, they help decide when a gene is used and whether a protein is made. Transcription is controlled by regulatory proteins. Transcription factors, activators, and repressors can start or slow the transcription of genes. After transcription, the cell makes a precursor RNA, also called pre-mRNA. Pre-mRNA must be...

what is the cell cycle?

Cell Cycle Stages in Cell Growth

The cell cycle is the process that controls cell growth and division. It explains how one cell makes two new cells. This process helps cells grow and reproduce.

interphase

Interphase and Cell Growth

Interphase is the part of the cell cycle when a cell grows and prepares to divide. It is a major stage of the cell cycle, and it comes before cell division begins. During interphase, the cell carries out its normal functions. It also copies its DNA so each new cell can receive a full set of genetic material. The cell may also build up the materials it needs for division. Interphase is not a single step. It includes phases such as G1, S, and G2, which help the cell grow, copy DNA, and get...

mitosis and cytokinesis

Cell Division: Mitosis and Cytokinesis

Cell division depends on mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis is the stage when the cell’s nucleus divides and the copied chromosomes are separated into two sets. Cytokinesis is the step that follows and splits the cell into two daughter cells. These two processes work together to make sure each new cell receives genetic material and its own cytoplasm. Mitosis keeps the chromosome sets organized, while cytokinesis finishes the division of the whole cell. Together, they create two separate cells...

the cell cycle control system

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cyclin Control

The cell cycle is controlled by checkpoints that help a cell move from one phase to the next and begin mitosis. This control system uses internal regulatory molecules and outside signals to send stop or advance instructions. It makes sure each step is finished before the cell moves forward. Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, are the main regulators of the cell cycle. They act during the G1, G2, and M phases. These regulators work at specific checkpoints to keep cell division...

molecular factors affecting cell division

molecular-factors-affecting-cell-division

Cell Cycle Regulators That Control Division

Cell division is controlled by outside signals and by internal cell cycle regulators. Nearby cell death can encourage division, and human growth hormone (hGH) can also promote it. In contrast, too little hGH or crowded cells can slow or stop division. Inside the cell, regulator molecules help each stage finish correctly before the next stage begins. Some regulators act directly on the cycle, while others affect the activity or production of other regulatory proteins. These molecules can either...

what is meiosis?

Meiosis and the Formation of Gametes

Meiosis is the cell division process that forms gametes, or sex cells. It reduces the chromosome number so offspring can inherit the correct amount of genetic material. This process includes two successive divisions. First, one cell divides, and then the resulting cells divide again. These steps separate the genetic material in a controlled way. Meiosis helps explain how sexual reproduction passes traits from one generation to the next. It is a key topic in high school biology because it...

overview of cell signaling

Cell Signaling Pathways and Responses

Cell signaling pathways and responses help cells communicate and react to changes. Cells send signals to one another, and those signals can trigger a specific response in the target cell. A signal usually begins when a signaling molecule reaches a cell with the right receptor, which is a protein that receives the message. The receptor helps the cell recognize the signal and start the communication process. Inside the cell, the message can move through a signaling pathway. This pathway passes...

types of signaling molecules

Chemical Messengers in Cell Signaling

Chemical messengers help cells communicate during signaling. These signaling molecules carry information from one cell to another and guide how cells respond. Some signaling molecules are gases, while others are proteins or peptides. Small lipids can also act as signals. In addition, cells may use steroids, amino acids, and even ions as signaling molecules. Each type of signaling molecule has different properties and works in a different way. Together, these molecules let cells send specific...

g protein-coupled receptors

G Protein-coupled Receptor Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors are a major class of cell-surface receptors. They help cells detect signals outside the cell and pass that information inward. These receptors are important in many kinds of cell communication. When a signal binds to a G protein-coupled receptor, the receptor changes shape. That change activates a G protein inside the cell. The activated G protein can then start a signaling pathway. This signaling system includes the receptor, the G protein, and the downstream...

cellular differentiation

From Stem Cell to Specialized Cells

Cellular differentiation turns unspecialized cells into specialized cells with specific jobs. This process helps a complex organism, such as a human, develop from a single fertilized egg into a body with many cell types. Nerve cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells are examples of the final cell types that appear during development. A zygote is the first cell after fertilization. It is a totipotent stem cell, which means it has very high differentiation potential and can form all cell types...

key terms and concepts

Learn how transcription uses a DNA template to build RNA, why RNA polymerase is important, and how this step fits into gene expression for high school biology.

Transcription and RNA Synthesis | JoVE K12

anatomy and physiology

JoVE Core Anatomy and Physiology showcases the anatomical and physiological details of the human body in comprehensive, clear, and engaging video animations. This collection of lessons focuses on the structures, components, functions, and requirements of the human body. It is complemented by scientist-in-action videos that demonstrate the application of this knowledge in real-world medical and research settings.

The Central Dogma

Replication in Eukaryotes

Types of RNA

Translation

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. ...

Construct an explanation of how the structures of DNA and RNA lead to the expression of information within the cell via the processes of replication, transcription, and translation

What is Meiosis?

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Meiosis II

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Crossing over

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Genome Copying Errors

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Overview of DNA Repair

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Base Excision Repair

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RNA Editing

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Mutations

Teratogenicity

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SB2.b

Transgenic Plants

Recombinant DNA technology called transgenesis is often used to add a foreign gene or remove a detrimental gene from an organism. Such genetically ...

Transgenic Organisms

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Testing For Genetically Modified Foods

Source: Laboratories of Margaret Workman and Kimberly Frye - Depaul University
Genetic modification of foods has been a controversial issue due to debated ...

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Ask questions to gather and communicate information about the use and ethical considerations of biotechnology in forensics, medicine, and agriculture

SB2.c

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells

Transcription and RNA Synthesis

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