Question

In eukaryotes, general transcription factors _______.

1) are required for the expression of specific protein-encoding genes.
2) bind to other proteins or to a sequence element within the promoter called the TATA box.
3) inhibit RNA polymerase binding to the promoter and begin transcribing.
4) usually lead to a high level of transcription even without additional specific transcription factors.
5) bind to sequences just after the start site of transcription.

Answer 1

In eukaryotes, general transcription factors bind to the TATA box within the promoter and recruit RNA polymerase to initiate transcription. They are crucial for RNA synthesis from genes, working with specific transcription factors to regulate gene expression.

Step-by-step explanation:

In eukaryotes, general transcription factors bind to other proteins or to a sequence element within the promoter called the TATA box. They are essential for the initiation of transcription as they recruit RNA polymerase to that location. They do not inhibit RNA polymerase; instead, they facilitate its binding to the promoter to start transcribing the DNA into RNA.

General transcription factors, such as TFIID and TFIIB, are required for the expression of protein-encoding genes. These factors, along with specific transcription factors, can bind to the promoter and enhancer regions to modulate the level of transcription. General transcription factors are involved in the formation of a pre-initiation complex that is a critical step in transcription initiation.

The action of these transcription factors is distinct from specific transcription factors, which bind to unique sequences and regulate a specific set of genes. General transcription factors are part of a complex system necessary to ensure the correct expression of eukaryotic genes in response to cellular and environmental signals.