Question

In bacteria, where does RNA polymerase first bind to the DNA molecule? Choose one:

A. at a random location
B. at an AUG
C. within a promoter
D. at a transcription start site

Answer 1

In bacteria, RNA polymerase first binds to the promoter, specifically at the -10 region (TATA box) and -35 sequence, which are upstream of the transcription start site.

Step-by-step explanation:

In bacteria, RNA polymerase first binds to the promoter of the DNA molecule. The promoter contains specific sequences, known as consensus sequences, which include the -10 region, also called the TATA box, and the -35 sequence, recognized and bound by sigma factors. These elements are crucial for the initiation of transcription, whereby the RNA polymerase enzyme binds and starts the transcription process just upstream of the structural genes.