Transcription factor

Definition

A transcription factor is a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. It plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and facilitating cellular differentiation by turning genes on or off.

Related terms

Gene Expression: The process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product, often proteins, impacting how cells function.

Messenger RNA (mRNA): A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where they specify the amino acid sequence of the protein products of gene expression.

Cellular Differentiation: The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, playing a critical role in development, growth, and repair