Final answer:
Transcription regulators, general transcription factors, and RNA polymerase form the transcription initiation complex, essential for the transcription of DNA into RNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transcription regulators bind to specific sequence elements within the regulatory region of the gene and together with general transcription factors and RNA polymerase form a complex known as the transcription initiation complex. This complex is essential for initiating the process of transcribing DNA into RNA. Regulatory proteins, such as transcription factors, can act as activators or repressors.
Activators assist RNA polymerase in binding to the promoter and initiating transcription, whereas repressors can impede the progress of RNA polymerase, thereby preventing transcription. Additionally, enhancers and distant regulatory elements can further influence transcription by looping back to interact with a gene's promoter.