Toxicants can interfere with transcription in several ways. They may bind directly to DNA, altering its structure and affecting the binding of transcription factors. Some toxicants influence the activity of RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA. Additionally, toxicants can modify the expression or function of transcription factors, which are proteins that regulate the transcription of specific genes. These interactions can lead to gene dysregulation, potentially resulting in harmful cellular outcomes.
