Transcription activation by a variety of AraC/XylS family activators does not depend on the class II-specific activation determinant in the N-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase alpha subunit
The N-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase or subunit (alpha -NTD) was tested for a role in transcription activation by a variety of AraC/XylS family members. Based on substitutions at residues 162 to 165 and an extensive genetic screen we conclude that alpha -NTD is not an activation target for these activators.