The terminator versus anti-terminator function of the T box-based riboswitch used by Gram-positive bacteria to regulate amino acid-related genes is determined by

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The terminator versus anti-terminator function of the T box-based riboswitch is determined by the binding of the appropriate uncharged tRNA. When amino acid levels are low, the corresponding tRNA will be uncharged and will bind to the riboswitch, leading to the formation of an anti-terminator hairpin and allowing transcription of the downstream genes. When amino acid levels are high, the corresponding tRNA will be charged and will not bind to the riboswitch, leading to the formation of a terminator hairpin and termination of transcription. Therefore, the binding of the appropriate uncharged tRNA determines whether the riboswitch functions as a terminator or anti-terminator.

The Terminator Versus Anti-Terminator Function of the T Box-Based Riboswitch