TATA-Binding Protein: Difference between revisions

== Exploring the Structure ==

TATA-binding protein uses two types of interactions to recognize and hold the TATA sequence, as seen in this structure [[1ytb]]. First, as shown at the top, it has a string of lysine and arginine amino acids (colored dark blue) that interact with the <scene name='TATA-Binding_Protein/1ytb/2'>phosphate groups of the DNA</scene>. This glues the <scene name='TATA-Binding_Protein/1ytb/7'>protein</scene> to the <scene name='TATA-Binding_Protein/1ytb/6'>DNA</scene>. Second, the protein uses specially-placed amino acids to interact with DNA bases. <scene name='TATA-Binding_Protein/1ytb/8'>four phenylalanine amino acids</scene> jam into the DNA minor groove and form the kinks that bend the DNA. There are also <scene name='TATA-Binding_Protein/1ytb/9'> two symmetrical asparagine amino acids </scene> that form hydrogen bonds at the very center. The combination of the unusual flexibility of TATA DNA sequences and these specific hydrogen bonds allows TATA-binding protein to recognize the proper sequence.