One consequence of the rotation of DNA is illustrated In the two-domain model for transcription, as RNA polymerase moves with respect to the double helix, it generates positive supercoils (more tightly wound DNA) ahead of it and leaves negative supercoils (partially unwound DNA) behind it. For each helical turn traversed by RNA polymerase, + 1 turn is generated ahead and -1 turn behind.
#Unit 3. Fundamental Processes#Transcription elongation and termination#Part B Pointers
