The elongation-termination decision in transcription.
At any template position, the decision to extend the transcript by one residue or to release the nascent RNA represents a kinetic competition between elongation and termination pathways. This competition is discussed in terms of alternative Eyring transition state barriers; changes in termination efficiency correspond to small changes in the relative heights of these barriers. Elongation complexes are stable at nonterminator positions; a model is presented to explain the destabilization of these complexes at intrinsic termination sites. Functionally analogous effects can operate at rho-dependent terminators. Mechanisms for modulation of termination efficiency by regulatory proteins are described.
von Hippel
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PH
Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene.
Yager
T D
TD
D000201:Activation Analysis; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics*; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D008954:Models, Biological; D008961:Models, Structural; D013698:Templates, Genetic; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*