Life: The Science of Biology 11th Edition

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1-31901-016-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-31901-016-4

Chapter 16 - Regulation of Gene Expression - 16.1 - Prokaryotic Gene Expression Is Regulated in Operons - 16.1 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 341: 4

Answer

Though not all promoters are identical, they do share consensus sequences which allows them to be identified by the RNA polymerase and other proteins. Sigma factors refer to prokaryotic proteins that attach to RNA polymerase, directing it to a specific groups of promoters. The RNA polymerase has to bind to a sigma factor before it can recognize a promoter and initiate transcription.

Work Step by Step

Though not all promoters are identical, they do share consensus sequences which allows them to be identified by the RNA polymerase and other proteins. Sigma factors refer to prokaryotic proteins that attach to RNA polymerase, directing it to a specific groups of promoters. The RNA polymerase has to bind to a sigma factor before it can recognize a promoter and initiate transcription.
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