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Genomic feature

Promoter

Promoter

A DNA region near a transcription start site where RNA polymerase and associated proteins assemble to begin transcription.

Overview

EXPLORE BY LEVEL

A promoter is a control region near the beginning of a gene's transcription unit. Proteins assemble there to help start making an RNA copy. In a diagram it is drawn before the gene in the direction RNA is made, but real genes can sit on either DNA strand.

Quick Facts

AT A GLANCE
Key ideaHelps position transcription machinery

Follow the Connections

See how Promoter links to other biological records.

Open network
ConceptGenecan containGenomic featureTranscription Start sitepositionsGenomic featureEnhancercan regulate
All 3 Structured Connections
Gene · ConceptCAN CONTAIN →Promoter · Genomic feature
Promoter · Genomic featurePOSITIONS →Transcription Start site · Genomic feature
Enhancer · Genomic featureCAN REGULATE →Promoter · Genomic feature

Recommended Reading

Trusted references for learning more about Promoter.

guidePromoterNational Human Genome Research Institute textbookFrom DNA to RNAMolecular Biology of the Cell · NCBI Bookshelf
Research Claims

Promoter usage can be alternative and cell-state dependent. Initiation reflects interactions among core promoter elements, transcription factors, chromatin, polymerase, and distal regulatory sequences; a promoter is not a universal fixed-distance switch.