RNA polymerase is the enzyme that binds to DNA and initiates _____.

RNA polymerase is the enzyme that binds to DNA and initiates _____.

• A. Transcription
• B. Replication
• C. Translation
• D. Recombination

Answer: (A)

RNA polymerase is the enzyme that starts transcribing a gene by binding to promoter DNA and synthesizing RNA using the DNA template. This process, transcription, converts the genetic information in DNA into a complementary RNA molecule. It’s distinct from replication, which copies DNA itself using DNA polymerase; from translation, which builds proteins from mRNA with the help of ribosomes; and from recombination, which rearranges DNA sequences. In prokaryotes the polymerase holoenzyme recognizes promoters with a sigma factor, while in eukaryotes RNA polymerase II requires transcription factors to initiate transcription.

RNA polymerase is the enzyme that starts transcribing a gene by binding to promoter DNA and synthesizing RNA using the DNA template. This process, transcription, converts the genetic information in DNA into a complementary RNA molecule. It’s distinct from replication, which copies DNA itself using DNA polymerase; from translation, which builds proteins from mRNA with the help of ribosomes; and from recombination, which rearranges DNA sequences. In prokaryotes the polymerase holoenzyme recognizes promoters with a sigma factor, while in eukaryotes RNA polymerase II requires transcription factors to initiate transcription.