Biological Glossary | What is Transcription Factor?

A transcription factor is a protein that regulates the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA, playing a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression. In molecular biology, transcription factors control the rate of this transcription by attaching to specific DNA sequences via their DNA-binding domains. These factors can initiate and regulate the transcription of genes, influencing the unique expression of each gene in different cell types and during development. Transcription factors can work alone or together with other proteins, acting as an activator or a repressor of specific genes. They are instrumental in various processes, including cell division, growth, and organization, as well as responding to external signals like hormones. Given their critical role, mutations in transcription factors can lead to specific diseases, potentially making them targets for medical treatments. 

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