State the Similarities and Differences in Transcription Regulation Between Eukaryotes and Bacteria/Archaea
What are the similarities and differences between transcription regulation in eukaryotes and bacteria/archaea?
Similarities:
Differences:
Complexity of Transcription Initiation Complexes:
In eukaryotes, transcription initiation complexes are more complicated and involve more factors compared to bacteria/archaea. This complexity in eukaryotes is due to the involvement of a broad range of transcription factors, some of which have no bacterial/archaeal equivalents. On the other hand, in bacteria/archaea, only a few transcription factors, such as sigma factors, interact with RNA polymerase.
Role of DNA Sequences:
In eukaryotes, DNA sequences play a significant role in transcription regulation, while in bacteria/archaea, DNA sequences have a minor role.
Regulation of RNA Processing and mRNA Transport:
The regulation of RNA processing and mRNA transport is much more complex in eukaryotes compared to bacteria/archaea. Eukaryotes have specialized transport systems, such as nuclear pore complexes (NPC), for mRNA transport, whereas bacteria and archaea do not.
Mechanism of Attenuation:
Attenuation, a mechanism that controls transcription in bacteria/archaea, is not found in eukaryotes.