Question
Biology Question on the molecular basis of inheritance
During transcription, RNA polymerase holoenzyme binds to a gene promoter and assumes a saddle-like structure. What is it's DNA-binding sequence ?
A
TATA
B
TTAA
C
AATT
D
CACC
Answer
TATA
Explanation
Solution
TATA box is present in eukaryotic promotor region. It has a resemblance with pribnow box of prokaryotes. TATA box was identified by Dr. Hogness and so, it is called as Hogness box. It is a 7 bp long region located 20 bp upstream to the start point. During the process of transcription the RNA polymerase (a holoenzyme which has a core unit and sigma factor for proper initiation of transcription) binds to TATA box due to which DNA assumes a saddle-like structure at this place.