Calculation of RNA transcription rate

In summary, the conversation discusses RNA transcription rates in operons and how to calculate them. The suggested papers, one from ScienceDirect and one from Science Magazine, provide information on how to measure the transcription rate by physically pulling two beads attached to the DNA molecule and measuring their movement. It is suggested that a time derivative can be taken to determine the transcription rate.
  • #1
nancy189
8
0
Hi all,

I have been reading some papers where they talk about RNA transcription rates in operons namely lac and unc. Can anyone tell me how does one go about in calculation of these rates?

Thanks,
Nancy
 
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  • #2
Can you access this paper?
It might be of some use:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0012160679900186

and this is cool:
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/287/5462/2497.short
Quotes from Davenport, Wuite, Landick, Bustamante (2000) (the above link):

"A stalled [RNA pol + DNA] complex is tethered between two... beads and kept in a continuous buffer flow." One bead is held in place by a pipette, and the RNA pol is attached to this bead, the other bead is attached to the other end of the DNA molecule, so essentially imagine a DNA molecule with a bead at either end, the RNA pol, attached to the anchored (by the pipette) bead, is stalled along the DNA molecule. Once started, "[a]s a transcribing polymerase moves along the DNA, it physically pulls the two beads closer together. The separation of the beads was measured by video microscopy and used to determine the end-to-end distance and the contour length of the DNA". Then "a time derivative was taken to obtain the transcription rate"; essentially, the speed with which the beads move togeather was used to detemrine the transcription rate.
This is my understanding, at least. If one of the more knowleadgable members can correct me if I am wrong, please do.
 
Last edited:

1. What is RNA transcription and why is it important?

RNA transcription is the process in which genetic information stored in DNA is converted into RNA molecules. This is a crucial step in gene expression and plays a vital role in the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for the functioning of all living cells.

2. How is RNA transcription rate calculated?

The RNA transcription rate is determined by dividing the amount of RNA produced in a given time period by the number of RNA polymerase molecules present. This can be measured using techniques such as RNA sequencing or qPCR.

3. What factors can affect the transcription rate?

The transcription rate can be influenced by various factors such as the availability of transcription factors, the strength of the promoter region, and the stability of the RNA molecule. Environmental factors, such as temperature and pH, can also affect the transcription rate.

4. Can the transcription rate vary between different genes?

Yes, the transcription rate can vary between different genes. This is because different genes have different promoter regions and require different levels of transcription factors for activation. Additionally, the presence of regulatory sequences and epigenetic modifications can also affect the transcription rate.

5. How can the transcription rate be manipulated in a laboratory setting?

The transcription rate can be manipulated by altering the conditions in which the cells are grown, such as temperature, pH, or nutrient availability. Specific drugs or chemicals can also be used to target and modulate the activity of transcription factors. Additionally, genetic engineering techniques can be used to introduce mutations in the promoter region to increase or decrease the transcription rate.

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