Transcription in Prokaryotes

Introduction

The prokaryotes are mostly single-cell organisms that lack membrane-bound nuclei and other organisms; the central region of this book-related DNA is the nucleoid region. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes are known to perform the same fundamental processes. Transcription in prokaryotes takes place with the DNA double helix, which in turn unwinds in the region of RNA synthesis, and this phenomenon can be termed as transcription bubble. Transcription in the Prokaryotes is always from one main DNA strand to every single gene, and this single main strand can be termed as a Template strand.  

These cells are unique in that they lack membrane-bound structures or consist of a membrane. The DNA bundles in the nuclei of the cell, and the transcription and translation process are occurring simultaneously wherein the synthesis occurs. 

RNA Polymerase

We are in a polymer is the type of enzyme that produces a molecule, just like DNA polymerase producing DNA molecule during DNA replication. The prokaryotes use this RNA polymerase used in transcription; all genes are composed of five polypeptide units. 

These subunits assemble once the transcription is complete, and the five subunits are also called holoenzymes.

The mechanism of transcription in prokaryotes

The mechanism of transcription in prokaryotes typically occurs in three stages: initiation elongation and termination.

Through the help of both DNA and mRNA, a pre mRNA molecule, which is then transformed into a mature mRNA molecule, is formed. During the process, the DNA acts as a base component, while RNA polymerase II, an enzyme, acts as a catalyst for mRNA formation. 

• Initiation 

This is the beginning step in the processing and formation of mRNA. This process occurs when the enzyme RNA polymerase, which acts as a catalyst, binds to the region of a gene called a promoter. This action or procedure signals the DNA to unwind so the enzymes can ‘read’ the bases of the strands of the DNA. The enzyme, after this process, is ready to make mRNA with bases that are complementary. 

• Elongation

During this step of mRNA formation, the nucleotides are added to the mRNA strand, which is one of the most important steps in the formation because of the nucleotides. The enzyme that is RNA polymers acts like a signal taker, and thus this enzyme reads the DNA molecule, which is unwinding and thus starts building mRNA molecules with the help of completely base pairs. 

It is during this stage that a very important step takes form. The newly formed RNA unwinds the DNA; thus, the adenine (A) of DNA pairs with the uracil (U) in the RNA, and thus this acts as a very prominent point.  

• Termination 

This step is the last as well as the ending step in the formation of mRNA. In this stage, the RNA polymerase II, which acts as a catalyst enzyme, crosses a stop termination and thus, in this stage, the mRNA that is formed detaches from the DNA. Ending of transcription occurs when the RNA polymerase process sequence in the region and the modernist and is complete it detaches from the DNA.

Transcription Factors in Prokaryotes

 Transcription factor proteins like the Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and Nanog are used to bind specific DNA and control the transcription of mRNA and RNA; this controlling of mRNA and RNA is aided with blocking or promoting the RNA polymerase, which is the catalyst enzyme. Also, these transcription factors that are Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and Nanog, are used in the formation of stem cells and other biological processes as well. These factors are thus considered important proteins in the formation of mRNA and DNA; though they aren’t highlighted in the initial stages, they are binding components. 

Conclusion

Transcription in prokaryotes is one important step related to both DNA, RNA, and mRNA formation. This transcription is aided with the help of various enzymes like the RNA polymerase II enzyme and, along with it, various transcription factors like the Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and Nanog. The transcription process consists of three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. If some unwanted proteins are left off at the end of the transcription, then this might have some adverse effects.