The DNA sequences shown below are from the promoter regions of six bacterial genes. In each case, the last nucleotide in the sequence (highlighted in blue) is the nucleotide that initiates transcription. Determine the consensus sequence for the Pribnow box from these sequences.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
10. Transcription
Transcription in Prokaryotes
Problem 16b
Textbook Question
The segment of the bacterial TrpA gene involved in intrinsic termination of transcription is the following:
3'-TGGGTCGGGGCGGATTACTGCCCCGAAAAAAAACTTG-5'
5'-ACCCAGCCCCGCCTAATGACGGGGCTTTTTTTTGAAC-3'
Label the template and coding DNA strands.

1
Determine the orientation of the DNA strands: The template strand is the one that RNA polymerase reads to synthesize RNA, while the coding strand has the same sequence as the RNA (except thymine is replaced with uracil in RNA).
Identify the 5' to 3' direction for each strand: The sequence provided shows the 3'-5' direction for the first strand and the 5'-3' direction for the second strand.
Label the template strand: The template strand is the one that is complementary to the RNA being synthesized. In this case, the 3'-TGGGTCGGGGCGGATTACTGCCCCGAAAAAAAACTTG-5' strand is the template strand.
Label the coding strand: The coding strand is the one that matches the RNA sequence (except for uracil replacing thymine). In this case, the 5'-ACCCAGCCCCGCCTAATGACGGGGCTTTTTTTTGAAC-3' strand is the coding strand.
Verify the labeling: Ensure that the template strand is complementary to the coding strand and that the coding strand matches the RNA sequence (with uracil replacing thymine).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
DNA Strands
DNA consists of two strands: the template strand and the coding strand. The template strand is used by RNA polymerase to synthesize RNA during transcription, while the coding strand has the same sequence as the RNA (except for thymine being replaced by uracil). Understanding the roles of these strands is crucial for analyzing transcription processes.
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Transcription
Transcription is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. It involves the enzyme RNA polymerase binding to the DNA at a promoter region, unwinding the DNA, and synthesizing a complementary RNA strand. Recognizing the significance of transcription is essential for understanding gene expression and regulation.
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Eukaryotic Transcription
Intrinsic Termination
Intrinsic termination is a mechanism that signals the end of transcription in prokaryotes. It occurs when a specific sequence in the RNA forms a hairpin structure followed by a series of uracils, causing RNA polymerase to dissociate from the DNA. This concept is vital for understanding how transcription is precisely regulated and terminated.
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