Transcription and Translation · USMLE Step 1

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for synthesizing pre-mRNA from DNA in eukaryotic cells?

  1. RNA polymerase I
  2. RNA polymerase II
  3. RNA polymerase III
  4. DNA polymerase II
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Correct answer: RNA polymerase II

In eukaryotes, RNA polymerase II transcribes protein-coding genes into pre-mRNA. RNA polymerase I and III transcribe rRNA and tRNA/rRNA components respectively.

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