RNA polymerase II

RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II and Pol II; pronounced "R-N-A Polymerase Two") is a multi-subunit enzyme that is responsible for transcribing DNA into an RNA sequence in eukaryotic organisms.

Pronunciation

• RNA: /ɑːrɛnˈeɪ/
• Polymerase: /pəˈlɪməreɪz/
• II: /tuː/

Etymology

The term "RNA Polymerase II" is derived from the function of the enzyme. "RNA" stands for Ribonucleic Acid, a type of nucleic acid that is transcribed from DNA. "Polymerase" is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "meros" meaning "part". The "II" denotes that it is the second of three identified RNA polymerases in eukaryotes.

Function

RNA Polymerase II is an essential enzyme in the process of gene expression. It transcribes DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into proteins.

Structure

RNA Polymerase II is composed of 12 subunits, making it one of the largest and most complex enzymes. The largest subunit, Rpb1, contains a unique heptapeptide repeat domain (CTD) that is involved in the process of transcription.

Related Terms

• RNA Polymerase I
• RNA Polymerase III
• Transcription
• Gene expression
• Messenger RNA

See Also

• DNA Polymerase
• Transcription factor
• Promoter

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