Final answer:
Transcription factors that bind to regulatory DNA elements on different chromosomes from the gene they control are known as trans-acting factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transcription factors that bind to regulatory DNA elements are called trans-acting factors because they are encoded by genes that may be on a different chromosome from the genes they control. These factors play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequence motifs. Unlike general transcription factors, they are recruited to a specific sequence on the promoter of a particular gene.
Within the cell, there are hundreds of transcription factors, and each has the capacity to bind specifically to its unique DNA sequence motif. Environmental stimuli can cause these proteins to find their binding sites and initiate transcription of necessary genes.
Transcription factors can bind to elements such as enhancers and silencers to up-regulate or down-regulate gene transcription respectively. These elements can be located near the gene they regulate (proximal) or far from the gene (distal).