Final answer:
RNA polymerase II employs a collection of general transcription factors named TFIIA to TFIJ, including TFIID with TATA-binding protein and TFIIH, to initiate eukaryotic transcription by binding and stabilizing the preinitiation complex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general transcription factors (GTFs) that RNA Pol II has are crucial for the initiation of transcription in eukaryotic cells. These factors recognize and bind to the promoter sequences upstream of the gene being transcribed. Specifically, RNA polymerase II uses multiple general transcription factors, which are named with the prefix "TFII" followed by a letter designation from A to J. The core complex starts with TFIID, which includes the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Subsequent to this, other factors such as TFIIA and TFIIB, as well as TFIIE, TFIIF, and TFIIH, are recruited to form the transcription initiation complex. These factors work together to stabilize the preinitiation complex and contribute to the recruitment and activation of RNA polymerase II. Through this orchestrated effort, the RNA polymerase II complex begins mRNA synthesis.