| Type: | Domain | Name: | DNA-directed RNA polymerase N-terminal domain |
| Description: | This is the N-terminal domain of DNA-directed RNA polymerase. This domain has a role in interaction with regions of upstream promoter DNA and the nascent RNA chain, leading to the processivity of the enzyme []. In order to make mRNA transcripts the RNA polymerase undergoes a transition from the initiation phase (which only makes short fragments of RNA) to an elongation phase. This domain undergoes a structural change in the transition from initiation to elongation phase. The structural change results in abolition of the promoter binding site, creation of a channel accommodating the heteroduplex in the active site, and formation of an exit tunnel which the RNA transcript passes through after peeling off the heteroduplex []. | Short Name: | RPOL_N |
