Amanita phalloides makes a-amanitin, a dangerous toxin that can be used in the laboratory for studies in molecular biology. What enzyme is inhibited by α-amanitin?

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α-amanitin is a potent inhibitor of RNA polymerase II, which is involved in transcription in eukaryotic cells. It binds to the enzyme and prevents it from elongating the RNA transcript, leading to the inhibition of gene transcription. This property of α-amanitin has been exploited in the laboratory for studies in molecular biology to investigate the role of RNA polymerase II in various cellular processes.

Amanita Phalloides Makes A-Amanitin, a Dangerous Toxin That Can Be