RNA-Polymerase II

RNA polymerase II ( RNAP II POL -II), more precisely a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II nuclear complex is a complex of enzyme ( polymerase ) which catalyzes the synthesis of ribonucleic acids (RNA) in the transcription of the DNA in eukaryotic cells.

The POL -II in multicellular animals and thus also in humans is a protein complex consisting of twelve subunits.

Main reaction

The extension of the mRNA along the lines of the bound single-stranded DNA is catalyzed by RNA polymerase, this example of a ribulose- molecule which is already part of the mRNA and of the uracil nucleotide UTP:

→ PPi

The phosphate group of the UTP is esterified with the hydroxyl group of the ribulose the mRNA. The result is an extended RNA diphosphate (PPi ) is cleaved.