Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 5/3/2009

Question
Hello,
Those are the facts that I am sure of: RNA Pol II reads the template from 3' to 5' Direction. the promoter then should be in the 3' end of the gene (upstream). I have seen though that the TATA and the enhancer element (promoter) to be on the 5' end on my diagrams and that RNA pol II transcribes the gene from 5' to 3' in many diagrams on my university lectures. I am confused, I thought maybe the label of 5' was regarding the non-template strand but that doesnt make much sense...Please help.
Musa Sharkawi

Answer
Dear Musa,

Since I cannot see the diagrams that are confusing you, and because your question is a little bit confusing (not quite sure what you are asking here), the best I can do is direct you to my lecture notes on transcription and translation, which can be found here:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/250/25007_3.html

The diagrams and text are correct in these, and I hope they help clear up any confusion you might have.  Another good resource is your instructor, so don't be shy. That's what s/he is there for.  :)

Good luck,

Dana