Sigma factor

Definition

A sigma factor is a protein that binds to RNA polymerase and directs it to specific promoters on DNA during the process of transcription. By helping RNA polymerase locate the right starting point for transcription, sigma factors play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and ensuring that genes are transcribed at the appropriate times and levels. They are vital for the initiation phase of transcription in prokaryotes, influencing how cells respond to various environmental signals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sigma factors are not part of the core RNA polymerase but associate with it to form a holoenzyme essential for transcription initiation.
2. Different sigma factors can recognize different promoters, allowing for the differential expression of genes in response to specific environmental conditions.
3. In bacteria, sigma factors can be replaced or modified, enabling cells to quickly adapt their gene expression patterns based on changes in their environment.
4. The most well-studied sigma factor in Escherichia coli is sigma 70 (σ70), which is responsible for expressing 'housekeeping' genes under normal growth conditions.
5. Once RNA polymerase has initiated transcription, the sigma factor is typically released from the complex, allowing the core enzyme to continue elongating the RNA strand.

Review Questions

• How do sigma factors contribute to the specificity of gene transcription in prokaryotes?
  • Sigma factors contribute to the specificity of gene transcription by binding to specific promoter regions on DNA and directing RNA polymerase to these sites. Each sigma factor recognizes a unique set of promoter sequences, which means that different sigma factors can regulate different sets of genes. This allows prokaryotic cells to precisely control which genes are expressed in response to various environmental stimuli or developmental cues.
• Discuss how changes in environmental conditions can lead to the expression of different sigma factors and what this means for bacterial adaptability.
  • Changes in environmental conditions can induce the expression of alternative sigma factors, which then guide RNA polymerase to different promoters. This flexibility allows bacteria to rapidly switch their gene expression profiles based on stressors like temperature shifts, nutrient availability, or oxidative stress. By using different sigma factors, bacteria can efficiently manage resources and adapt to fluctuating environments, thereby enhancing their survival and growth.
• Evaluate the implications of sigma factor regulation on bacterial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance.
  • The regulation of sigma factors has significant implications for bacterial pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. For example, certain sigma factors are activated during infection, enabling bacteria to express virulence factors that help them evade host defenses. Additionally, changes in sigma factor activity can lead to the overexpression of genes associated with antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Understanding these regulatory pathways can provide insights into developing new therapeutic strategies that target sigma factor functions to combat bacterial infections more effectively.

Related terms

RNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription, playing a key role in gene expression.

Promoter: A specific DNA sequence where RNA polymerase and sigma factors bind to initiate transcription of a gene.

Transcription initiation complex: A multi-protein complex that assembles at the promoter region, including RNA polymerase and sigma factors, necessary for the beginning of transcription.