Question

When chromatin is accessible to transcription factors and RNA polymerase, it is referred to as being in the

a) Open confirmation
b) Closed confirmation
c) Condensed state
d) Repressed state

Answer 1

Chromatin that is accessible to transcription factors and RNA polymerase is in the open confirmation, enabling the initiation of transcription by exposing the DNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

When chromatin is accessible to transcription factors and RNA polymerase, the chromatin is said to be in the open confirmation. This state allows for the transcriptional machinery to access certain regions of DNA to initiate transcription. The nucleosomes are modified to slide and expose the DNA, making it possible for RNA polymerase and transcription factors to bind to the promoter region. On the contrary, when a gene is to remain silent, the chromatin is in a closed confirmation, which prevents transcription by making the DNA inaccessible.