What is the function of a transcription factor when activated by a hormone?

• A. It acts as a ribosome to start translation.
• B. It initiates DNA replication.
• C. It binds to promoter regions and recruits RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.
• D. It degrades mRNA molecules to lower protein levels.

Answer: (C)

Activated transcription factors control gene expression by guiding the transcription machinery to specific DNA sites. When a hormone activates a transcription factor, the hormone–receptor complex typically moves into the nucleus and binds promoter regions (often near enhancers) of target genes. This binding helps recruit RNA polymerase II and other necessary transcriptional components, assembling the initiation complex and starting transcription of the gene. In this way, the hormone signal is converted into new RNA production for the target genes.

It’s not about ribosomes making proteins (translation), nor about starting DNA replication, nor about degrading mRNA—that’s a different set of cellular processes.