RNA polymerase binds to DNA at a sequence called a promoter during the initiation of transcription.

Where does the RNA polymerase enzyme bind?

Using the enzyme helicase, RNAP locally opens the double-stranded DNA so that one strand of the exposed nucleotides can be used as a template for the synthesis of RNA, a process called transcription.

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.