Answer:
Transcription
Step-by-step explanation:
Transcription is the first process of gene expression involving the synthesis of a mRNA molecule from a segment of DNA (gene). Transcription is key to the production of proteins, which bring about biochemical activities, in every living organism. The process of transcription is catalyzed by an enzyme called RNA polymerase.
According to the question that describes a chemical found to be produced by a tropical tree that kills insects. The chemical is discovered to deactivate RNA polymerase enzyme in the insect. This utterly means the chemical is interfering with the process of transcription of genes in the insect because transcription cannot occur without RNA polymerase.