Question

Which is accurate regarding transcriptional processes in the eukaryotic system?

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a
TFIID contains a TBP subunit that is involved in distorting the DNA to create a landmark where the RNA polymerase III can bind
b
TFIIH is a kinase that phosphorylates the tail region of RNA Polymerase III to initiate transcription
c
TFIID and TFIIH are the only two general transcription factors involved in eukaryotic transcription
d
RNA Polymerase I is responsible for transcription of mRNA
e
NONE of the above are TRUE.

Answer 1

TFIID does contain a TBP subunit that helps initiate transcription by RNA polymerase II in eukaryotic cells; however, the accurate polymerase is II, not III as mentioned in option a. Additionally, TFIIH has kinase activity and RNA polymerase I transcribes rRNA, not mRNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accurate statement regarding transcriptional processes in the eukaryotic system is that TFIID contains a TBP subunit that is involved in distorting the DNA to create a landmark where RNA polymerase II can bind. This is because TFIID is one of the general transcription factors, specifically the core complex, which includes the TATA-binding protein (TBP). It's crucial in initiating the transcription process by binding to the TATA box in the promoter region and bending the DNA. This action helps in the recruitment of other transcription factors and the polymerase.

Meanwhile, TFIIH is a multi-subunit protein which has kinase activity and is involved in the initial stages of transcription by RNA polymerase II, not III as stated in option b. TFIIH helps in unwinding the DNA and also in phosphorylating the RNA polymerase II, which is necessary for transcription initiation. The statement regarding RNA polymerase I is also incorrect as it is responsible for transcribing rRNA, not mRNA. Hence, option a is the most accurate, even though it incorrectly refers to RNA polymerase III instead of II.