Questions: Transcription What happens during the initiation stage of transcription? RNA polymerase makes more RNA. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter. RNA polymerase reaches the end of the gene.

The answer is the second one: RNA polymerase binds to the promoter.

Explanation for each option:

1. RNA polymerase makes more RNA.

   • This statement is incorrect for the initiation stage. The synthesis of RNA occurs during the elongation stage of transcription, not initiation.

2. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter.

   • This statement is correct. During the initiation stage of transcription, RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of the DNA called the promoter. This binding is crucial as it positions the RNA polymerase to start transcribing the gene.

3. RNA polymerase reaches the end of the gene.

   • This statement is incorrect for the initiation stage. Reaching the end of the gene occurs during the termination stage of transcription, not initiation.

In summary, during the initiation stage of transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the DNA to begin the process of transcribing the gene.