Transcription factors function to do what?

Transcription factors function to do what?

• A. Bind DNA and regulate transcription rate
• B. Catalyze transcription
• C. Degrade mRNA
• D. Bind tRNA

Answer: (A)

Transcription factors control gene expression by binding to DNA at promoter or enhancer regions and shaping the transcription machinery’s access to the gene. They act as activators or repressors, recruiting or blocking RNA polymerase II and coactivators to regulate transcription rate. They themselves do not catalyze transcription; RNA polymerase II does. They also do not degrade mRNA or bind tRNA, which are roles for other molecules.

Transcription factors control gene expression by binding to DNA at promoter or enhancer regions and shaping the transcription machinery’s access to the gene. They act as activators or repressors, recruiting or blocking RNA polymerase II and coactivators to regulate transcription rate. They themselves do not catalyze transcription; RNA polymerase II does. They also do not degrade mRNA or bind tRNA, which are roles for other molecules.