terminátorszekvencia

The terminátorszekvencia refers to a specific DNA sequence motif found in bacterial genomes, originally identified in the bacterium *Escherichia coli*. This sequence plays a crucial role in the regulation of DNA replication and cell division. The term originates from the Latin *terminus*, meaning "end," as this sequence acts as a signal to halt replication at specific points on the bacterial chromosome.

The primary terminátorszekvencia consists of two inverted repeats separated by a spacer region. These repeats form a stem-loop structure that binds the protein Tus (Termination Utilization Substance), which recruits the replication machinery to pause or terminate replication at designated sites. This ensures proper chromosome segregation during cell division, preventing the formation of abnormal DNA structures such as concatemers or double-stranded breaks.

In *E. coli*, the terminátorszekvencia is located at the *dnaA* region, where it helps regulate the initiation of replication by influencing the availability of the initiator protein, DnaA. Disruption of these sequences can lead to uncontrolled DNA replication, genomic instability, or cell death. The concept has since been studied in various bacteria, where similar termination mechanisms help maintain genomic integrity.

Research on terminátorszekvencia has broader implications in synthetic biology and genetic engineering, where precise control of replication is essential for constructing stable, functional genetic circuits. Understanding these sequences also aids in the development of antimicrobial strategies, as bacterial replication control is a potential target for novel antibiotics.