Do both eukaryotes and prokaryotes have RNA polymerase?

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcriptions use a common enzyme, RNA polymerase, to transcribe DNA into RNA. Prokaryotes utilize one RNA polymerase for all transcription of types of RNA. Each of the three RNA polymerases in eukaryotes is responsible for transcribing a unique type of RNA.

Why would RNA polymerase in eukaryotes need to be different than in prokaryotes?

Unlike the prokaryotic polymerase that can bind to a DNA template on its own, eukaryotes require several other proteins, called transcription factors, to first bind to the promoter region and then help recruit the appropriate polymerase.

How does RNA synthesis differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Eukaryotes have three types of RNA polymerases, I, II, and III, and prokaryotes only have one type. Another main difference between the two is that transcription and translation occurs simultaneously in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes the RNA is first transcribed in the nucleus and then translated in the cytoplasm.

Why are there different RNA polymerases in eukaryotes?

As previously discussed, distinct RNA polymerases are responsible for the transcription of genes encoding ribosomal and transfer RNAs in eukaryotic cells. All three RNA polymerases, however, require additional transcription factors to associate with appropriate promoter sequences.

How is RNA polymerase used in RNA?

During transcription, the information encoded in DNA is used to make RNA. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA, using the antisense strand of the DNA as template by adding complementary RNA nucleotides to the 3′ end of the growing strand. RNA polymerase binds to DNA at a sequence called a promoter during the initiation of transcription.

What types of RNA is found only in eukaryotes?

small nuclear RNA, Type of RNA found only in the eukaryotic nucleus that is involved in processing of initial mRNA transcription products to a mature form suitable for export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for translation

What type of molecule is RNA polymerase?

RNA polymerase is a high molecular weight enzyme. The official name of RNA polymerase is the DNA-directed RNA polymerase. During the transcription, RNA polymerase opens the double-stranded DNA so that one DNA strand can be used as a template for the process of synthesizing a mRNA molecule.

How does RNA polymerase know where to start transcription?

Promoters are sites on DNA that tell the polymerase where to bind and start transcription. For eukaryotes, RNA polymerases need the help of transcription factors to bind to the promoter. Transcription factors first bind, and then RNA polymerase is initiated to bind to the spot as well.