.
In step 1, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme (core polymerase plus σ factor) forms and then locates a promoter (see Figure 6-12
). The polymerase unwinds the DNA at the position at which transcription is to begin (step 2) and begins transcribing (step 3). This initial RNA synthesis (sometimes called “abortive initiation”) is relatively inefficient. However, once RNA polymerase has managed to synthesize about 10 nucleotides of RNA, σ relaxes its grip, and the polymerase undergoes a series of conformational changes (which probably includes a tightening of its jaws and the placement of RNA in the exit channel [see Figure 6-11
]). The polymerase now shifts to the elongation mode of RNA synthesis (step 4), moving rightwards along the DNA in this diagram. During the elongation mode (step 5) transcription is highly processive, with the polymerase leaving the DNA template and releasing the newly transcribed RNA only when it encounters a termination signal (step 6). Termination signals are encoded in DNA and many function by forming an RNA structure that destabilizes the polymerase's hold on the RNA, as shown here. In bacteria, all RNA molecules are synthesized by a single type of RNA polymerase and the cycle depicted in the figure therefore applies to the production of mRNAs as well as structural and catalytic RNAs. (Adapted from a figure kindly supplied by Robert Landick.)
). The polymerase unwinds the DNA at the position at which transcription is to begin (step 2) and begins transcribing (step 3). This initial RNA synthesis (sometimes called “abortive initiation”) is relatively inefficient. However, once RNA polymerase has managed to synthesize about 10 nucleotides of RNA, σ relaxes its grip, and the polymerase undergoes a series of conformational changes (which probably includes a tightening of its jaws and the placement of RNA in the exit channel [see Figure 6-11]). The polymerase now shifts to the elongation mode of RNA synthesis (step 4), moving rightwards along the DNA in this diagram. During the elongation mode (step 5) transcription is highly processive, with the polymerase leaving the DNA template and releasing the newly transcribed RNA only when it encounters a termination signal (step 6). Termination signals are encoded in DNA and many function by forming an RNA structure that destabilizes the polymerase's hold on the RNA, as shown here. In bacteria, all RNA molecules are synthesized by a single type of RNA polymerase and the cycle depicted in the figure therefore applies to the production of mRNAs as well as structural and catalytic RNAs. (Adapted from a figure kindly supplied by Robert Landick.)