Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. They play a critical role in gene expression and operon control in microbial genetics.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Transcription factors can act as activators or repressors of gene expression.
They often function by binding to promoter or enhancer regions of DNA.
In prokaryotes, transcription factors are essential for the regulation of operons such as the lac operon.
Transcription factors can interact with RNA polymerase to enhance or inhibit its ability to synthesize mRNA.
The activity of transcription factors can be influenced by environmental signals and cellular conditions.