Dosage Compensation Mechanism

Dosage Compensation

Mechanism by which X chromosome levels are re-established to levels seen in males. Such a mechanism only exists in females therefore. Dosage compensation requires RNA polymerase, Tsix transcript and Xist transcript as well as the X chromosomes of developing embryonic cells. Note that each transcript is transcribed on one chromosome each. Xist acts as to ensure inactivation of X chromosome whereas Tsix ensures X chromosome remains active. Such activity is carried out from the X inactivation centre.