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Transcription Factor

Transcription in molecular biology is the copying of RNA from a DNA pattern to create a new RNA molecule. A transcription factor is a protein that binds DNA at specific sites where it can regulate transcription. Without transcription factors, the creation of new RNA from DNA cannot occur. Transcription factors can be activated or deactivated by other proteins.

Transcription factors are primarily involved in the initiation stage of RNA transcription. They are the key to determining where the DNA chain becomes "unzipped," creating a single strand to which RNA can be bound while it's being built.

There are three types or classes of transcription factors:

• General transcription factors form a preinitiation complex.


• Upstream transcription factors bind upstream of the initiation site to either stimulate or repress transcription.


• Inducible transcription factors also bind upstream, but must be activated or inhibited.

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