2023 Molecular Basis of InheritanceTranscription in Eukaryotes Medium Question 3 of 8 in Transcription in Eukaryotes

What is the role of RNA polymerase III in the process of transcription in Eukaryotes?

A Transcription of only snRNAs
B Transcription of rRNAs (28S, 18S and 5.8S)
C Transcription of tRNA, 5S rRNA and snRNA
D Transcription of precursor of mRNA

The answer is C.

Solution

RNA polymerase III transcribes tRNA, 5S rRNA and snRNAs.

In eukaryotes, the RNA polymerase I transcribes rRNAs (28S, 18S and 5.8S), whereas the RNA polymerase III is responsible for transcription of tRNA, 5S rRNA and snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs). The RNA polymerase II transcribes precursor of mRNA, the heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA).

Concept RNA polymerases I, II and III

Transcription in Eukaryotes in past papers

8 questions from this chapter have appeared across 8 exam years.