Transcription factors are DNA-binding proteins that link to particular DNA sites to control transcription. The process of transferring DNA to RNA is known as transcription. An enzyme called RNA polymerase then reads the RNA to produce the proteins required by the cell. Because various cells require different proteins to function, transcription factors are used to switch specific genes on or off.A transcription factor attaches to a region of DNA known as a promoter. If it activates the gene, the transcription factor aids in the recruitment of RNA polymerase to the DNA, allowing transcription to begin. Transcription factors, on the other hand, can prevent RNA polymerase from beginning transcription. It is entirely dependent on the cell and the transcription factor.