During which stage of transcription does RNA polymerase bind to the promoter?

• A. Splicing
• B. Elongation
• C. Termination
• D. Initiation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription, which is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. It involves several stages: initiation, elongation, and termination.
2. Recognize that the initiation stage is where transcription begins. During this stage, RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of the DNA called the promoter.
3. The promoter is a sequence of DNA that signals the start point for transcription. It is crucial for the RNA polymerase to recognize and bind to this region to initiate RNA synthesis.
4. Once RNA polymerase is bound to the promoter, it unwinds the DNA strands to expose the template strand, allowing the synthesis of RNA to begin.
5. Remember that splicing, elongation, and termination are subsequent processes in transcription. Splicing occurs after transcription, elongation is the process of RNA strand synthesis, and termination is the end of transcription.