Regulation of Eukaryotic DNA Transcription

This animation shows how a variety of proteins interact to regulate the transcription of eukaryotic DNA into RNA.

During transcription, DNA is copied into RNA by an enzyme called RNA polymerase. As shown in the animation, this process involves many different proteins. Some of these proteins are general transcription factors that recruit RNA polymerase to the gene. Other proteins, such as activators, repressors, and mediators, are transcription factors that regulate the action of RNA polymerase.

Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss different molecules or regions of DNA.