transcription factor

noun

: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

Examples of transcription factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Central to this feat was the discovery of two transcription factors—Sox and POU—within the choanoflagellate genome. Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 There’s always another gene or transcription factor involved. Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 The genetic transcription factors that handle the development of sea robins’ legs are also found in other animals’ limbs–including our own. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Sep. 2024 Genes rely on transcription factors to perform many essential functions in organs. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transcription factor 

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transcription factor was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near transcription factor

Cite this Entry

“Transcription factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transcription%20factor. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

transcription factor

noun
: any of various proteins that bind to DNA and play a role in the regulation of gene expression by promoting transcription

More from Merriam-Webster on transcription factor

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