Activators are proteins that increase the transcription of specific genes. They bind to DNA sequences called enhancers and help recruit RNA polymerase to the promoter.
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Activators play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes.
They can interact with other proteins, such as co-activators, to enhance gene transcription.
An example of an activator in prokaryotes is the catabolite activator protein (CAP), which regulates the lac operon.
Activators often work by inducing conformational changes in DNA that facilitate the binding of RNA polymerase.
Their activity can be modulated by small molecules or environmental signals.