RNA polymerase
RNA polymerase is an enzyme that is responsible for copying a DNA sequence into an RNA sequence, duyring the process of transcription. As complex molecule composed of protein subunits, RNA polymerase controls the process of transcription, during which the information stored in a molecule of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA.
RNA polymerases have been found in all species, but the number and composition of these proteins vary across taxa. For instance, bacteria contain a single type of RNA polymerase, while eukaryotes (multicellular organisms and yeasts) contain three distinct types. In spite of these differences, there are striking similarities among transcriptional mechanisms. For example, all species require a mechanism by which transcription can be regulated in order to achieve spatial and temporal changes in gene expression.
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