Final answer:
The function not performed by TFIIE and TFIIH is removing phosphates from Ser5 in the CTD of RNA Pol II. These factors are involved in initiation processes like DNA melting and phosphorylation of RNA Pol II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function that is NOT performed by TFIIE and TFIIH working together is removing the phosphates from Ser5 in the CTD of RNA pol II. TFIIE and TFIIH collaborate in transcription initiation including the phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II (RNA pol II), assisting in the formation of the first phosphodiester bond, and melting the promoter region by unwinding DNA strands.
TFIIE acts as an essential component in correctly positioning TFIIH, and TFIIH contains helicase activity as well as kinase activity which phosphorylates the CTD of RNA pol II. This phosphorylation is a key step in transitioning RNA pol II from initiation to elongation during transcription. This process does not involve removing phosphates, which typically occurs later during RNA processing and maturation events, not during the initiation of transcription.