Question

Which of the following events occur when TATA-binding protein binds to the DNA? (check all that apply)

A. Binding leads to assembly of the rest of the transcription complex at the initiation site.
B. Four α helices separate the two strands of DNA.
C. The DNA backbone is kinked nearly 90 degrees.
D. An eight-stranded β-sheet domain of the TATA-binding protein lies on the DNA helix.

Answer 1

When TATA-binding protein binds to DNA, it leads to the assembly of the transcription complex, kinks the DNA backbone nearly 90 degrees, and an eight-stranded β-sheet domain of TBP lies on the DNA helix.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the TATA-binding protein (TBP) binds to DNA within the core promoter region, the following events occur:

1. Binding leads to assembly of the rest of the transcription complex at the initiation site. This includes the recruitment of additional transcription factors and the positioning of RNA polymerase to begin transcription.
2. The DNA backbone is kinked nearly 90 degrees, which facilitates the unwinding of the DNA and the loading of the transcription machinery.
3. An eight-stranded β-sheet domain of the TATA-binding protein lies on the DNA helix, contributing to the deformation of the DNA that allows transcription to initiate.

The statement about four α helices separating the two strands of DNA describes the action of helicase during DNA replication and not the binding of TBP during transcription initiation.