The kinetics of E. coli RNA polymerase

Using an assay specific for chain elongation of E. coli RNA polymerase the kinetics of this propagation reaction have been studied. The kinetic behaviour is consistent with the mathematical model formulated for this multisubstrate enzyme. The effect of increasing salt concentration on the kinetics of the reaction indicated that DNA unwinding is probably a necessary step in the propagation step, although this may not be the rate limiting step under all conditions.