Enhancers

Definition

Enhancers are short regions of DNA that can significantly increase the transcription of genes. They function by binding to specific transcription factors and looping to interact with promoters, even if located far away.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Enhancers can be located thousands of base pairs away from the gene they regulate.
2. They function in an orientation-independent manner, meaning they work regardless of their direction.
3. Enhancers often contain multiple binding sites for transcription factors.
4. The looping mechanism allows enhancers to come in close proximity with promoters despite large intervening sequences.
5. Mutations in enhancer sequences can lead to diseases or developmental disorders due to misregulation of gene expression.

Review Questions

• How do enhancers influence the transcription of genes?
• Can enhancers work if they are located far from the target gene? Explain how.
• What might be the consequence of a mutation in an enhancer sequence?

Related terms

Promoter: A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Transcription Factor: Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences, controlling the rate of transcription.

Silencer: A DNA sequence capable of binding repressors and inhibiting the expression of a gene.