Question

Transcription factors that affect the ability of RNA polymerase to begin the transcription process may work by

a) Directly binding to DNA
b) Inducing DNA methylation
c) Inhibiting RNA polymerase activity
d) Interfering with histone acetylation

Answer 1

Transcription factors affect RNA polymerase's ability to begin transcription primarily by directly binding to DNA, helping to recruit RNA polymerase to the promoter region, and interacting with regulatory elements like enhancers and silencers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the role of transcription factors in the regulation of gene expression, specifically how they influence the ability of RNA polymerase to initiate the transcription process. Transcription factors are proteins that can regulate the transcription of genes by performing various functions such as altering the availability of promoter regions to RNA polymerase, modifying the activity of RNA polymerase, and affecting the overall structure of DNA and chromatin.

Transcription factors may work by directly binding to DNA where they can influence the formation of a preinitiation complex by recruiting RNA polymerase and other necessary components. This is essential in the regulation of gene expression. Moreover, transcription factors often interact with enhancers or silencers, regulatory elements that augment or repress transcription, respectively.

The binding of transcription factors to DNA can stabilize DNA conformation in a manner that facilitates the transcription initiation.