Question

Some transcription regulators function to bend DNA at a sharp angle to regulate transcription initiation without directly interacting with transcription machinery. The acctive sites (DNA-binding sites) of Theses protiens interact with the primary structure of DNA (cis-acting elements). What class of amino acids would likely be located in their active site? 

Describe ONE mechanism that would permit this regulation. [Must be in short phrases]

Answer 1

For the transcription regulators to interact with the DNA, they should be able to bind with the DNA. It will be a good assumption that they bind to the sugar-phosphate backbone of the DNA. As we know that the DNA backbone is acidic in nature, more number of basic amino acids will be found at the active sites of these transcription regulator proteins.

There are multiple transcription factors (cis-acting elements) bound in and around a gene. Interaction of these transcription factors is necessary for the initiation of the transcription process. The bending of DNA may bring these distantly bound transcription factors close enough to interact resulting in initiation of the transcription process.

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