TATA box

Definition

The TATA box is a DNA sequence found in the promoter region of genes in archaea and eukaryotes. It plays a crucial role in the initiation of transcription by serving as a binding site for transcription factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The TATA box is typically located about 25-30 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site.
2. It is recognized and bound by the TATA-binding protein (TBP), a subunit of the transcription factor IID (TFIID).
3. The sequence is generally composed of repeating adenine (A) and thymine (T) nucleotides, usually in the form 'TATAAA'.
4. While common in eukaryotic promoters, not all genes have a TATA box; some use other core promoter elements.
5. Mutations within the TATA box can significantly affect gene expression levels by altering transcription initiation.

Review Questions

• Where is the TATA box typically located relative to the transcription start site?
• Which protein specifically binds to the TATA box during transcription initiation?
• What effect can mutations in the TATA box have on gene expression?

Related terms

Promoter:

A DNA sequence that initiates gene transcription.

Transcription Factor: Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to control gene expression.

RNA Polymerase II: An enzyme that synthesizes mRNA from a DNA template during transcription.