Binding Site

Name:
Binding Site
Detailed information:
A place on cellular DNA to which a protein (such as a transcription factor) can bind. Binding sites may be found in the vicinity of genes and are involved in activating transcription of that gene (promoter elements), in enhancing the transcription of that gene (enhancer elements), or in reducing the transcription of that gene (silencers).Note: Whether the protein in fact performs these functions may depend on some condition, such as the presence of a hormone, or the tissue in which the gene is being examined. Binding sites could also be involved in the regulation of chromosome structure or of DNA replication.