[Campbell Biology P.423] What is the primary distinction between "general transcription fact... | Practice Question

What is the primary distinction between "general transcription factors" and "specific transcription factors" in eukaryotic gene regulation, as discussed in the text?

  • A: General TFs are involved in basal transcription, while specific TFs are responsible for high-level, regulated transcription.
  • B: General TFs bind to enhancers, while specific TFs bind directly to the promoter.
  • C: Specific TFs are always expressed, while general TFs are only expressed when needed.
  • D: General TFs activate transcription, while specific TFs only repress it.

Explanation

The text explains that the interaction of general transcription factors and RNA polymerase II typically leads to a low rate of transcription basal level , while high levels of transcription depend on specific transcription factors.