Final answer:
The U2 snRNP is the component of the spliceosome that is responsible for recognizing and binding to the branch point of the intron during pre-mRNA splicing. The correct option is b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of the spliceosomal complexes that specifically recognizes and binds to the branch point of the intron during pre-mRNA splicing is the U2 snRNP.
This small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) plays a critical role in identifying the branch point sequence, which is essential for the splicing reaction.
Spliceosomes are ribonucleoprotein complexes that orchestrate the precise removal of introns from pre-mRNA. The spliceosome action includes recognition of splice sites, cleaving of the pre-mRNA, removal of the intron in the form of a lariat structure, and subsequent ligation of the exons. Option b) is the correct one.