GC-rich boxes

Definition

GC-rich boxes are DNA sequences with a high frequency of guanine (G) and cytosine (C) nucleotides. They play a crucial role in the regulation of gene transcription in eukaryotic cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GC-rich boxes are often found in promoter regions upstream of the start site of transcription.
2. These sequences can enhance the binding of transcription factors, facilitating the initiation of transcription.
3. GC-rich boxes are associated with genes that require high levels of expression.
4. They can affect the stability and structure of DNA due to the triple hydrogen bonding between G and C bases.
5. Mutations or alterations in GC-rich boxes can lead to changes in gene expression and have been linked to various diseases, including cancers.

Review Questions

• Where are GC-rich boxes typically located within a gene?
• How do GC-rich boxes influence transcription factor binding?
• Why might mutations in GC-rich boxes impact gene expression?

Related terms

Promoter:

A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene by providing a binding site for RNA polymerase and other regulatory proteins

Transcription Factors: Proteins that help regulate the expression of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA

RNA Polymerase II: An enzyme responsible for transcribing most eukaryotic genes into messenger RNA