where does transcription take place?

Answer 1

In eukaryotic organisms it takes place in the nucleus.

Answer 2

Simply stated transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Also important is the concept that transcription, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic, has three main events.

Initiation - binding of RNA polymerase to double-stranded DNA; this step involves a transition to single-strandedness in the region of binding; RNA polymerase binds at a sequence of DNA called the promoter. Initiation is the most important step in gene expression!!!
Elongation - the covalent addition of nucleotides to the 3' end of the growing polynucleotide chain; this involves the development of a short stretch of DNA that is transiently single-stranded
Termination - the recognition of the transcription termination sequence and the release of RNA polymerase
Although transcription is performed by RNA Polymerase, the enzyme needs other proteins to produce the transcript. These factors are either associated directly with RNA Polymerase or add in building the actual transcription apparatus. The general term for these associated proteins is transcription factor.

Transcription factor - any protein other than RNA Polymerase that is required for transcription

Functions of Transcription Factors


bind to RNA Polymerase
bind another transcription factor
bind to cis-acting DNA sequences
RNA Polymerase and the group of protein that directly interact with it are called the basal transcription apparatus. This is the apparatus that is directly responsible for transcription.

Basal transcription apparatus - RNA polymerase + general factors; both needed to initiate transcription

Other factors, those that interact directly or through a coactivator with the proteins of the basal transcription apparatus, are also important for transcription. These generally have a positive effect on transcription, but occasionally they can repress gene expression through transcripion. These factors are called upstream factors

Answer 3

Transcription takes place in the nucleus.