What is the function of the TATA box?

Answer 1

The TATA box assists in directing RNA polymerase II to the initiation site downstream on DNA. RNA polymerases bind to regions of DNA known as promoters. Promoter regions are comprised of the initiation site and numerous nucleotides upstream from the initiation site. The TATA box is necessary for transcription because RNA polymersase II cannot recognize the initiation sites on its own.

Answer 2

The TATA box can be found in various species ranging from simple eukaryotes such as baker's yeast to more complex organisms such as humans. The TATA box assists in directing RNA polymerase II to the initiation site downstream on DNA. RNA polymerases bind to regions of DNA known as promoters. Promoter regions are comprised of the initiation site and numerous nucleotides upstream from the initiation site. The TATA box is necessary for transcription because RNA polymersase II cannot recognize the initiation sites on its own. The TATA box directs the RNA polymersase II to the initiation site once the RNA polymerase has bound to the TATA box. Yet another promblem occurs when the RNA polymerase II scans for the TATA box. RNA polymerase II cannot recognize the TATA box on its own; it has to use transcription factors to find the TATA box. After the transcription factors bind to the TATA box, then RNA polymersase II can recognize and bind to the TATA box (Campbell 1996).

Answer 3

The TATA box is a motif found in the promoter region of many genes in eukaryotes. It has a consensus sequence of 5'-TATAAA-3', and is found approximately 25 base pairs upstream of the transcription site. The TATA box acts as a binding site for some transcription factors, such as TATA binding protein, and is crucial in transcription factors binding the correct part of DNA to start gene transcription. It is also believed to be crucial in RNA Polymerase II binding of DNA.

Answer 4

The TATA box positions RNA polymerase where the transcription begins.