Difference between TATA and CAAT Box

The differentiating factor between TATA and CAAT box lies in its consensus sequence. While the TATA box is a conserved nucleotide area possessing a consensus sequence of TATAWAW, the CAAT box is a conserved nucleotide area having a consensus sequence of GGCCAATCT.

TATA Box (Goldberg–Hogness box)

  • TATA box in molecular biology are DNA sequences seen in the core promoter areas of the genes in the eukaryotes and archaea.
  • Pribnow box is the bacterial homolog of the TATA box that has a shorter consensus sequence.
  • It is deemed to be a non-coding sequence of DNA.
  • It was called so as it contains a consensus sequence distinguished by recurring T and A base pairs.
  • The TATA-binding proteins function as a part of the TFIID, the huge transcription factor which initiates the transcription process.
  • Once it associates with the promoter, it assigns the extra transcription factors and a string of them to associate. This leads to the construction of a huge protein complex, which determines whether to start the transcription or not.

CAAT Box

  • CAAT box in molecular biology refers to a separate pattern of nucleotides with GGCCAATCT consensus sequence occurring upstream by the 60-100 bases to the initial transcription region.
  • It alerts the binding site for the RNA transcription factor and is usually tagged by a conserved consensus sequence.
  • The CAAT box with the GC box is known to bind normal transcription factors, both of which belong to the regulatory promoter.
  • A complete expression of the gene takes place when the transcription activator proteins associate with each module in the regulatory promoter.
  • In order for the CCAAT box to get activated, the protein-specific association is essential. These proteins are called CCAAT box-binding proteins.

Key Difference between TATA and CAAT Box

The table below depicts the difference between TATA and CAAT Box.

TATA Box

CAAT Box

What is it?

These are conserved nucleotide areas seen at close to 25-30 base pairs upstream to the site of transcription initiation.

These are conserved nucleotide areas seen at close to 75-80 base pairs upstream to the site of transcription initiation.

What is its consensus sequence?

Consensus sequence – TATAWAW

Consensus sequence – GGCCAATCT

Occurrence

Seen in the core promoter area of the transcription initiation sites.

Seen at 75-80 bases upstream of the transcription initiation site.

What is its recurring base pair?

A and T base pairs

A, C and T base pairs

Role

Renders binding site for transcription factors and TBP and is involved in the transcription regulation.

Send signals to the binding site for RNA transcription factor.

For more such articles and related difference-between articles, follow the links provided below or visit us at BYJU’S NEET.

More here:

Difference between Rods and Cones

Difference between “mRNA”, “tRNA” and “rRNA”

Difference between “Denaturation” and “Renaturation”

Difference between Cleavage and Mitosis

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*