Transcription Factors
Definition
Transcription factors are proteins involved in the process of converting, or transcribing, DNA into RNA. They help regulate gene expression by binding to specific sites on DNA and controlling how often genes get transcribed into mRNA molecules.
Analogy
Imagine transcription factors as directors on a movie set. They don't act out scenes themselves but guide others (DNA strands) on how and when to perform their roles (produce proteins).
Related terms
RNA Polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA by following a DNA template.
Activators: These are types of transcription factors that increase the transcription of a gene or set of genes.
Repressors: These are types of transcription factors that decrease the transcription of a gene or set of genes.
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