Transcription schematic

Recognition of the Promoter site by RNAPol


    The RNAPol molecule recognizes the beginning of a transcriptional unit of an mRNA by a short DNA sequence motif called a Promoter. The Promoter is approximately 10 bp 'upstream' [5' to] the start site of transcription on the template strand. The same or similar "- 10" motif sequences are found upstream of many genes, and act as a signal for transcription.


    The "start site" for RNA transcription from DNA is not the same as the "start codon" for Protein translation from mRNA.



Text © 2025 by Steven M. Carr