Final answer:
TBP uses a β-sheet to recognize the minor groove of the TATA element, a crucial step in the initiation of transcription.
Step-by-step explanation:
The TATA-binding protein (TBP) uses a β-sheet to recognize the minor groove of the TATA element. In the initiation of transcription, TBP is crucial for providing access to the DNA strand that is to be transcribed. The TATA box, which contains the 5'TATAAA3' sequence, is a common feature found in prokaryotes, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes. TBP's interaction with the DNA is important for the regulation of gene expression, largely at the transcription level. This points to the TATA box and the TBP as fundamental components of genetic expression and regulation across diverse forms of life.