Fig. 2: Unwinding of the DNA Helix by RNA Polymerase, Step-1.

Once the RNA polymerase/sigma factor complex recognizes the correct promoter, the sigma factor dissociate from the RNA polymerase and the enzyme begins to unwind the helix of the DNA creating a region of nonpaired deoxyribonucleotides that serve as a template for RNA synthesis.

Illustration of Unwinding of the DNA Helix by RNA Polymerase, Step-1 .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.

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Last updated: Feb., 2021
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser