Final answer:
The statement that recruiting basal transcription factors to the core promoter is a primary function of pioneer transcription factors is true. These basal factors, especially the core complex TFIID, are essential for recruiting RNA polymerase II during the initiation of transcription in eukaryotic cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Recruiting basal transcription factors to the core promoter is a primary function of pioneer transcription factors" is True.
Basal transcription factors, including the core complex TFIID, which contains a TATA-binding protein (TBP), are crucial for forming the pre-initiation complex on the DNA template. This complex is instrumental in recruiting RNA polymerase II, which is necessary for the initiation of transcription in eukaryotic cells. Other basal factors labeled TFIIA-J systematically interact with the DNA template, stabilizing the pre-initiation complex and contributing to the recruitment process.
In addition to basal transcription factors, enhancers and silencers located in upstream regulatory regions help regulate the frequency of pre-mRNA synthesis from a gene. They work by either increasing or decreasing transcription efficiency, but are not essential for transcription to commence.