Question

Which of the following functions are characteristic of general transcription factors in eukaryotes?

A. They bind to other proteins or to the TATA box.
B. They inhibit RNA polymerase binding to the promoter and begin transcribing.
C. They usually lead to a high level of transcription even without additional specific transcription factors.
D. They bind to sequences just after the start site of transcription.

Answer 1

General transcription factors in eukaryotes facilitate the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter by binding to the TATA box and other proteins. They do not inhibit RNA polymerase binding or generally lead to high transcription levels without additional specific transcription factors. Therefore, the correct option is a.

Step-by-step explanation:

General transcription factors in eukaryotes have specific functions in the process of transcription initiation. One characteristic function of these factors is binding to the TATA box and other proteins to recruit RNA polymerase to the promoter. These factors do not generally lead to high transcription levels on their own; they require additional specific transcription factors for that. Contrary to one option provided, general transcription factors do not inhibit the binding of RNA polymerase, but rather facilitate it. Also, they generally do not bind to sequences immediately after the start site of transcription, but to the promoter region which is upstream of the start site to regulate gene transcription.