tRNA (transfer RNA) is transcribed in the nucleus by a specialized enzyme.
Cytoplasmic tRNAs are transcribed within the cell nucleus by DNA-dependent RNA polymerase III (Pol III). This polymerase is specifically dedicated to transcribing small RNA molecules, including tRNA.
Here's a breakdown of the transcription process:
- Location: The process occurs inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
- Enzyme: RNA polymerase III (Pol III) is the key enzyme involved. It recognizes specific DNA sequences that signal the start and end of tRNA genes.
- Template: tRNA genes serve as the template for transcription.
- Product: The result is a precursor tRNA molecule, which then undergoes processing to become a mature and functional tRNA.
In essence, tRNA transcription relies on the specificity of RNA polymerase III to locate and transcribe tRNA genes within the nucleus.
