transcription factor
nounUK /trænˈskrɪpʃən ˈfæktə/
US /trænˈskrɪpʃən ˈfæktər/
A tiny helper in a cell that tells genes when to turn on or off.
The transcription factor switched on the gene that helps the cell fight infection.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A protein that controls how much RNA is made from a gene.
Scientists studied the transcription factor to understand why the gene was overactive.
3. A molecule that binds to DNA and affects gene expression.
This transcription factor binds near the promoter region of the gene.
4. A regulatory protein involved in cell development and specialization.
Different transcription factors guide stem cells to become muscle or nerve cells.