PathwayStep169 PathwayStep164 PathwayStep162 RNA Polymerase I Transcription Authored: Comai, L, 2003-07-03 17:13:29 Edited: Gillespie, ME, 0000-00-00 00:00:00 GENE ONTOLOGYGO:0006360 Reactome Database ID Release 4373864 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_1309 Reviewed: Paule, M, Zhao, X, 0000-00-00 00:00:00 The rRNA genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase I, one of three eukaryotic nuclear RNA polymerases. The polymerase is a multisubunit complex, composed of two large subunits (the most conserved portions include the catalytic site that shares similarity with other eukaryotic and bacterial multisubunit RNA polymerases) and a number of smaller subunits. Under a number of experimental conditions the core is competent to mediate ribonucleic acid synthesis, in vivo however, it requires additional factors to select the appropriate template. In humans the RNA transcript (45S) is approximately 13,000 nucleotides long. Before leaving the nucleus as assembled ribosomal particles, the 45S rRNA is cleaved to give one copy each of the 28S rRNA, the 18S rRNA, and the 5.8S rRNA. Equal quantities of the three rRNAs are produced by initially transcribing them as one transcript. RNA Polymerase I Promoter Clearance RNA Polymerase I Transcription Termination RNA Polymerase I Chain Elongation