How do transcription factors interact with RNA polymerase II during initiation?

• A. They degrade RNA polymerase II to prevent initiation.
• B. They modify chromatin but do not interact with RNA polymerase II during initiation.
• C. They bind promoter to recruit RNA polymerase II and form the preinitiation complex.
• D. They displace RNA polymerase II after initiation to regulate transcription.

Answer: (D)

Transcription factors working at the promoter region recognize the promoter DNA and recruit RNA polymerase II to form the preinitiation complex. This assembly brings Pol II into the correct position, helps open the DNA at the start site, and sets up the start of transcription. Without these factors guiding Pol II to the promoter, initiation wouldn’t occur efficiently. After the polymerase begins RNA synthesis, it escapes the promoter to enter elongation, with other factors modulating elongation rather than displacing Pol II during initiation.