In the overview of transcription, which enzyme binds to DNA at the promoter to initiate RNA synthesis?

• A. DNA polymerase
• B. Helicase
• C. RNA polymerase
• D. DNA ligase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of transcription, which is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
2. Identify the role of enzymes involved in transcription. The key enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA is RNA polymerase.
3. Recognize that RNA polymerase binds specifically to a region on the DNA called the promoter to start transcription.
4. Recall that DNA polymerase is involved in DNA replication, not transcription, and helicase unwinds DNA but does not synthesize RNA.
5. Conclude that the enzyme that binds to the promoter to initiate RNA synthesis is RNA polymerase.