Activator
Definition
An activator is a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences called enhancers, which are located near the promoter region of a gene. By binding to the enhancer, the activator helps initiate and increase the transcription of the gene.
Analogy
Imagine an activator as a key that unlocks and opens a door. The door represents the gene that needs to be transcribed, and the key (activator) is needed to start the process by binding to the enhancer (lock) near the promoter region.
Related terms
Enhancer: A DNA sequence located near the promoter region of a gene that binds with an activator protein to enhance or increase transcription.
Transcription: The process where genetic information stored in DNA is copied into RNA molecules.
Promoter: A specific region on DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.
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