Question

What is the consensus sequence of the –10 region (Pribnow Box) in bacterial promoters?

Options

• AATTGG

• GGCCAA

• TATAAT

• CGCGAT

Answer 1

The –10 region, commonly called the Pribnow Box, has the consensus sequence TATAAT. This region is rich in A-T base pairs, which easily melt open due to the weaker hydrogen bonding (two bonds) compared to G-C pairs (three bonds). This facilitates DNA unwinding at the initiation site.