Final answer:
RNA polymerase binds to a promoter sequence to start transcription, which involves creating an mRNA strand based on the DNA template. The promoter plays a crucial role in initiating this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
RNA polymerase binds to a promoter sequence to initiate the process of transcription. Therefore, the correct answer is D) promoter sequence: transcription. Initiation of transcription begins when RNA polymerase attaches to a promoter DNA sequence. The promoter signals the DNA to unwind allowing RNA polymerase to read the bases in one of the DNA strands and begin synthesizing a complementary strand of mRNA. The process involves the formation of an initiation complex and the creation of a transcription bubble where the DNA helix is unwound.