Which of the following statements about transcription factors is incorrect:

• A. The transcription initiation complex is composed of RNA polymerase, general and specific transcription factors.
• B. General transcription factors help initiate transcription of all eukaryotic genes.
• C. Specific transcription factors do not bind the promoter of a gene, but to control elements associated with the gene.
• D. The transcription initiation complex associates with the TATA box of the promoter to begin transcription.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of transcription factors: Transcription factors are proteins that help regulate the transcription of DNA into RNA by assisting RNA polymerase in binding to specific DNA sequences.
2. Differentiate between general and specific transcription factors: General transcription factors are necessary for the transcription of all eukaryotic genes, while specific transcription factors bind to control elements to regulate the transcription of particular genes.
3. Examine the transcription initiation complex: This complex includes RNA polymerase and general transcription factors, which are essential for the initiation of transcription at the promoter region of a gene.
4. Identify the role of the TATA box: The TATA box is a DNA sequence found in the promoter region of many genes, where the transcription initiation complex assembles to start transcription.
5. Analyze the statement about specific transcription factors: Specific transcription factors typically bind to control elements, not directly to the promoter, which is a key point in identifying the incorrect statement.