Gene Transcribing Machine Takes Halting, Backsliding Trip Along The DNA
Sunday, August 9, 2009 - 02:35
in Biology & Nature
Cells have nanoscale protein machines that perform the first step in gene expression, gliding smoothly along the DNA and translating it into RNA. Or so scientists thought. Scientists now show that the real process is replete with long pauses and backsliding as the machine -- RNA polymerase II -- tries to negotiate the nucleosomes that tightly wrap DNA in the nucleus.