Which of the Following Statements About E

Question

Which of the following statements about E. coli RNA polymerase is INCORRECT?
A) It has five different subunits.
B) The σ subunit can be dissociated easily from the rest of the enzyme.
C) The σ subunit is responsible for accurate determination of transcription start sites.
D) Without the σ subunit the enzyme has no RNA polymerase activity.
E) The σ subunit has a role in regulation of transcription.

Accepted Answer

While the σ subunit plays an important role in accurate determination of transcription start sites and regulation of transcription, it is not required for RNA polymerase activity. The core enzyme, composed of the other four subunits, is capable of catalyzing RNA synthesis without the σ subunit in vitro.