What is RNA Polymerase?
Definition
RNA polymerase (RNAP or RNApol) is an enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
RNAP is found in all living organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. In eukaryotes, there are three types of RNAPs: RNA polymerase I, II, and III. Each type of RNAP synthesizes different types of RNA.
RNAP is a multi-subunit enzyme that consists of a core enzyme and several auxiliary factors. The core enzyme is responsible for synthesizing RNA, while the auxiliary factors help to regulate the activity of the enzyme.
RNAP binds to a promoter sequence on the DNA template and then begins to synthesize RNA in the 5' to 3' direction. RNAP synthesizes RNA by adding nucleotides to the growing RNA chain in a complementary fashion to the DNA template.
RNAP is an essential enzyme for gene expression. Without RNAP, cells would not be able to synthesize RNA, which is necessary for protein synthesis and other cellular processes.
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