Final answer:
The large complex of proteins that connects distantly bound transcription regulators to RNA polymerase and general transcription factors is the mediator complex. It is essential for the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells and works in conjunction with RNA polymerase II and various transcription factors to modulate transcription initiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The large complex of proteins that link distantly bound transcription regulators to RNA polymerase and the general transcription factors is known as the mediator complex. This mediator complex plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Proteins bound to DNA sequences thousands of nucleotides away from the promoter can influence the activity of RNA polymerase at the promoter through this complex. The mediator serves as a bridge between these distant regulatory proteins, such as those bound to enhancers, and the general transcription factors and RNA polymerase at the promoter, facilitating the correct initiation of transcription.
Transcription initiation in eukaryotic cells is dependent on a variety of factors. The general transcription factors, including the basal factor TFIID which is composed of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and associated factors, are involved in the formation of a preinitiation complex. Enhancers, silencers, and other regulatory proteins also contribute to the regulation of transcription, affecting the frequency with which RNA is synthesized from a gene. Together with RNA polymerase II, these elements ensure precise control of gene expression in response to various cellular and environmental signals.