How do eukaryotic transcription factors help form the initiation complex?

• A. By modifying histones to increase DNA methylation
• B. By degrading mRNA to regulate gene expression
• C. By directly binding to the promoter region and recruiting RNA polymerase II
• D. By inhibiting the binding of RNA polymerase to the DNA

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of transcription factors in eukaryotic cells. Transcription factors are proteins that help regulate the transcription of genes by assisting in the formation of the transcription initiation complex.
2. Identify the promoter region of a gene. The promoter is a specific sequence of DNA where transcription factors and RNA polymerase bind to initiate transcription.
3. Learn how transcription factors bind to the promoter region. They recognize specific DNA sequences within the promoter and bind to them, facilitating the recruitment of other components necessary for transcription.
4. Explore the recruitment of RNA polymerase II. Once transcription factors are bound to the promoter, they help recruit RNA polymerase II, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing mRNA from the DNA template.
5. Understand the formation of the transcription initiation complex. The binding of transcription factors and RNA polymerase II to the promoter region forms the initiation complex, which is essential for the start of transcription.