Transcription: RNA polymerase II: practice question

A Biochemistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Biochemistry · Transcription: RNA polymerase II

Sample item

At a protein-coding gene, TBP within TFIID binds the TATA box. TFIIB and TFIIF then bring in which enzyme to complete the preinitiation complex?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. RNA polymerase II

The general transcription factors assemble at the core promoter in order, and TFIIF escorts the polymerase to it. TFIIH then unwinds DNA and phosphorylates the tail domain, allowing promoter escape. Primase and DNA polymerases belong to replication.

Option by option

  • A. DNA polymerase epsilon

    DNA polymerase epsilon takes part in leading-strand DNA synthesis.

  • B. Primase

    Primase makes short RNA primers for DNA replication and is not part of this complex.

  • C. Poly(A) polymerase

    Poly(A) polymerase acts at the 3-prime end after transcription and is not part of initiation.

  • D. RNA polymerase II (correct)

    Correct. TFIIF delivers this enzyme to the promoter to complete the preinitiation complex.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is D, RNA polymerase II. The general transcription factors assemble at the core promoter in order, and TFIIF escorts the polymerase to it.

Why is "DNA polymerase epsilon" not the answer?

DNA polymerase epsilon takes part in leading-strand DNA synthesis.

Why is "Primase" not the answer?

Primase makes short RNA primers for DNA replication and is not part of this complex.

Why is "Poly(A) polymerase" not the answer?

Poly(A) polymerase acts at the 3-prime end after transcription and is not part of initiation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Transcription: RNA polymerase II in Biochemistry. TFIIH then unwinds DNA and phosphorylates the tail domain, allowing promoter escape. Primase and DNA polymerases belong to replication.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Transcription: RNA polymerase II?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.