Activators bind to regulatory sequences in ________ and to ________ polymerase.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking for two missing terms related to the function of activators in gene expression.
2. Step 2: Recall that activators are proteins that increase the transcription of a gene. They do this by binding to specific DNA sequences and to other proteins.
3. Step 3: Identify the first missing term. Activators bind to regulatory sequences in the DNA. These sequences are often located in the promoter region of a gene, but can also be found in enhancers or other regulatory regions.
4. Step 4: Identify the second missing term. Activators also bind to other proteins involved in transcription. The main protein they bind to is RNA polymerase, the enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
5. Step 5: Fill in the blanks with the correct terms. Activators bind to regulatory sequences in DNA and to RNA polymerase.

Key Concepts

Regulatory Sequences

Regulatory sequences are specific regions of DNA that control the expression of genes. They include promoters, enhancers, and silencers, which interact with transcription factors and other proteins to regulate when and how much a gene is expressed. Understanding these sequences is crucial for grasping how gene expression is modulated in response to various signals.

Transcription Factors

Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences, influencing the transcription of genes. They can act as activators or repressors, either promoting or inhibiting the recruitment of RNA polymerase to the gene's promoter. Their role is essential in the regulation of gene expression, allowing cells to respond to internal and external stimuli.

RNA Polymerase

RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during the process of transcription. It binds to the promoter region of a gene, where it initiates the transcription process. Understanding the function of RNA polymerase is vital for comprehending how genetic information is converted into functional products, such as proteins.