Transcription
1. Describe the different classes of RNAs found in a cell.
2. What are the components of a eukaryotic promoter? What are the functions of a
promoter? Understand what is meant by Upstream and Downstream from a Promoter.
What are UASs?
3. What are the functions of RNA polymerase I, II and III?
4. What is the role of the Generalized Transcription Factors?
5. Describe initiation of transcription in eukaryotes. Be sure to include all relevant
components. What is the significance of phosphorylation of the CTD of RNA pol II?
6. Explain termination of transcription in eukaryotes.
7. Explain the 5’ capping mechanism. Be sure to include all relevant components.
8. Explain the polyadenylation mechanism. Be sure to include all relevant components.
Transcriptional Regulation - Eukaryotes
9. Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes is considered much more complex than in
prokaryotes. Why do you think that is?
10. What is the role of enhancers and silencers in transcriptional regulation?
11. Describe the three different DNA binding motifs associated with transcription factors.
12. Understand how one does a DNA Footprinting experiment. And be able to interpret
results from such an experiment.
13. How does genome organization regulate gene expression? How does this differ from
transcriptional regulation?
14. There are several other types of regulation of gene expression, including,
processing/modification of the transcript, mRNA transport, mRNA stability, translation,
and post-translational modifications. Be sure that you understand how each one of these
components can play a role in regulating gene expression.