Release of RNA polymerase II to initiate transcription appears to be the direct result of the
A) binding of TAFs to the polymerase.
B) unwinding of the DNA by helicases.
C) phosphorylation of RNA polymerase by a protein kinase.
D) removal of the nucleosome occupying the promoter site.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II by a protein kinase is the key step that leads to the release of the polymerase from the promoter, allowing it to initiate transcription. This phosphorylation alters the conformation of RNA polymerase II, enabling it to begin elongating the RNA transcript.

Release of RNA Polymerase II to Initiate Transcription Appears to Be