RNA Polymerase in a Prokaryote Is Composed of Several Subunits

question 3

Multiple Choice

RNA polymerase in a prokaryote is composed of several subunits. Most of these subunits are the same for the transcription of any gene, but one, known as sigma, varies considerably. Which of the following is the most probable advantage for the organism of such variability in RNA polymerase?

• A) It might allow the translation process to vary from one cell to another.
• B) It might allow the polymerase to recognize different promoters under certain environmental conditions.
• C) It could allow the polymerase to react differently to each stop codon.
• D) It could allow ribosomal subunits to assemble at faster rates.
• E) It could alter the rate of translation and of exon splicing.

---

Definitions:

Tax Advantage

Financial benefits that accrue due to preferential tax treatment of certain investments or transactions.

Corporate Bond

A type of debt security issued by corporations to raise capital, where the corporation promises to repay the principal along with interest at a specified future date.

Municipal Bond

A debt security issued by municipalities to finance public projects, such as roads and schools, typically offering tax-free interest payments to investors.

U.S. Government Bond

A debt security issued by the United States Department of the Treasury to support government spending, considered a low-risk investment.