RNA Polymerase

What Is RNA Polymerase and How Does It Help Bacteria Adapt?

RNA polymerase (RNAP) starts gene activity by making RNA from DNA. In bacteria, many proteins and chemical signals control RNAP. This helps cells adjust to changing conditions (1)

RNAP Mutations Help Bacteria Survive Antibiotics

Cells can also adapt through genetic mutations. Mutations in RNAP genes, especially those that help bacteria survive antibiotics (1).

How Do RNAP Mutations Alter Transcription and Promote Antibiotic Resistance?

Some RNAP mutations change how RNAP interacts with sigma factors, transcription factors, or signaling molecules. Other mutations affect RNA production itself. They can change promoter recognition, transcription start-up, elongation, or termination.
Together, these changes can help bacteria tolerate or re…