In eukaryotes, where do general transcription initiation factors bind?

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The question asks: In eukaryotes, where do general transcription initiation factors bind?

Because the answer field provides Promoters as the answer, we will explain why this makes sense and then note the lack of alternative options provided.

First, consider the role of general transcription initiation factors (GTFs) in eukaryotic transcription. GTFs, such as TFIID, TFIIA, TFIIB, TFIIF, TFIIE, and TFIIH, assemble at the core promoter region to recruit RNA polymerase II and to position it for accurate transcription initiation. The core promoter is the DNA sequence region that directs the transcription machinery, and it includes elements like the TATA box in many genes, initiator (Inr) elements, and other promoter-proximal sequences.

Promoters: This option aligns with the canonical model in which GTFs bind to promoter regions to form the preinitiation complex (PIC). The promoter serves as the landing pad for GTFs, enabling recruitment and correct orientation of RNA polymerase II for transcription initiation. In many genes, activators and coactivators influence promoter accessibility and the assembly of the PIC, but the initial binding surface for GTFs is the promoter region itself.

Why the other potential options (if any were provided) might be incorrect: 
- If a choice suggested binding to enhancers, that would be inaccurate for the initial binding of GTFs, since enhancers are distal regulatory elements that modulate transcription through looping and recruiting coactivators, not the fixed binding site for the canonical GTFs forming the core PIC. 
- If a choice claimed binding to introns, exons, or repetitive elements, that would misrepresent the primary site where GTFs assemble to start transcription, as these regions do not serve as the initial platform for PIC assembly in the standard model. 
- If a choice indicated binding to RNA or the coding sequence itself, that would contradict the established mechanism where DNA promoter regions are the binding sites for the transcription machinery.

In summary, the promoter region is the foundational site for the binding of general transcription initiation factors in eukaryotes, enabling the formation of the preinitiation complex and the subsequent recruitment of RNA polymerase II to begin transcription.

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In eukaryotes, where do general transcription initiation factors bind?

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251A-LIFESCI-7A-LEC-1 4.3 Transcription Review Questions

In eukaryotes, where do general transcription initiation factors bind?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

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