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The steady-state levels of all mature transcripts expressed in bacteria and yeast have been cataloged, but we do not yet know the numbers of nascent transcripts and so RNA polymerases engaged on all genes. Such catalogs are presented here. As mRNA levels depend on the balance between synthesis and degradation, we use published data to calculate the numbers of engaged polymerases required to maintain these levels in the face of the known rate of degradation. Most genes, including essential ones, prove not to be transcribed most of the time, and many produce only one message per cell cycle. Some cells even fail to produce an essential message during a cycle, and so must depend on their mother's messages and/or proteins for survival. We speculate that evolution sets the rate of message production so low to conserve energy, minimize transcription-induced mutation, and permit regulation over the widest range.

Original publication

DOI

10.1096/fj.06-6087fje

Type

Journal article

Journal

FASEB J

Publication Date

08/2006

Volume

20

Pages

1721 - 1723

Keywords

Adaptation, Physiological, Bacteria, Biological Evolution, DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases, Kinetics, Models, Theoretical, RNA Stability, RNA, Messenger, Transcription, Genetic, Yeasts