The first step in transcription is initiation, when the RNA pol binds to the DNA upstream (5′) of the gene at a specialized sequence called a promoter (Figure 2a).

Where does the RNA polymerase enzyme bind?

The promoter is a DNA sequence that guides RNA polymerase on where to bind upstream of a gene. While prokaryotic RNA polymerase can directly bind to DNA promoter sequences, eukaryotic forms require the assistance of transcription factors for initial binding.

Can RNA polymerase bind anywhere?

Protein synthesis begins with transcription, in which the enzyme RNA polymerase makes a mRNA molecule carrying the same instructions as the DNA. ... However, RNA polymerase does not bind just anywhere on the DNA. It only binds where the shape of the DNA bases closely fits the shape of a particular surface of the protein.