The RNA polymerase holoenzyme transcribes

Options

A. the promoter, structural gene and the terminator region
B. the promoter and the terminator region
C. the structural gene and the terminator region
D. the structural gene only.

Answer

To answer the question regarding what the RNA polymerase holoenzyme transcribes, we can break down the process of transcription into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Transcription**:
- Transcription is the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. It involves three main stages: initiation, elongation, and termination.

2. **Initiation of Transcription**:
- The process begins with the recognition of the promoter region by the RNA polymerase holoenzyme. This recognition is facilitated by a protein called the sigma factor, which helps the RNA polymerase bind to the promoter.

3. **Binding to the Promoter**:
- Once the sigma factor recognizes the promoter, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme binds to this region. The promoter is a specific sequence of DNA that signals the start of a gene.

4. **Elongation**:
- After binding, the RNA polymerase begins synthesizing RNA by elongating the nascent RNA strand. This occurs as the RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template, unwinding the DNA and adding complementary RNA nucleotides.

5. **Termination of Transcription**:
- The process of transcription continues until the RNA polymerase reaches a termination signal in the DNA. This signal prompts the RNA polymerase to detach from the DNA, resulting in the release of the newly synthesized RNA molecule.

6. **Regions Transcribed**:
- During transcription, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme transcribes the structural gene, which contains the coding information for proteins, and the terminator region, which signals the end of transcription. The promoter region is not transcribed; it is merely a regulatory sequence that initiates transcription.

### Conclusion:
Based on the understanding of the transcription process, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme transcribes the structural gene and the terminator region.

### Final Answer:
The correct option is: **C) structural gene and terminator region.**

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