enhancer and promoters

[dl9006]

is the only difference between these two the location?

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[cmills66]

location is one part of the difference, however the "promoter region" is where you will get the binding of the RNA polymerase, along with other transcription factors, which forms the initiation complex. The enhancers can be located at great distances from the promoter, sometimes even within the coding sequence (downstream of the promoter) and will typically bind to transcription activators, which will activate/initiate transcription. How is the enhancer sequence brought near the promoter sequence? This is accomplished by the looping of the DNA, so that prior to transcription initiation, you have one large initiation complex.

 

[dl9006]

location is one part of the difference, however the "promoter region" is where you will get the binding of the RNA polymerase, along with other transcription factors, which forms the initiation complex. The enhancers can be located at great distances from the promoter, sometimes even within the coding sequence (downstream of the promoter) and will typically bind to transcription activators, which will activate/initiate transcription. How is the enhancer sequence brought near the promoter sequence? This is accomplished by the looping of the DNA, so that prior to transcription initiation, you have one large initiation complex.

I'm a bit confused about their functions.


so promoter is the site where RNA polymerase binds

and enhancer just helps the RNA Polymerase bind to the promoter and can found anywhere on the DNA relative to the gene?

 

[bennijai]

You're right, the promoter is the region where RNA polymerase binds and starts the transcription. The enhancer region can increase the transcription rate of the gene.

 

[dl9006]

thank you guys

 

[BTtheman777]

Im pretty sure this is only regarding Eukaryotes right. If im not mistaken Prokaryotes dont have enhancers (cis/trans) elements?

 

[bennijai]

From what I learned I believe it's only in eukaryotes.

 

[navneetdh]

I dont know about enhancers...are they definitely only in eukaryotes? I read somewhere that promoters are present both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Am I right?

 

[bennijai]

Promoters are present in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but enhancers are only in eukaryotes I believe...

 

[dl9006]

Promoters are present in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, but enhancers are only in eukaryotes I believe...

agreed.
think that's what i read too