Observe the given figure and answer the question.
RNA polymerase III is responsible for the transcription of which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → tRNA, 5srRNA, snRNA
Eukaryotes have three RNA polymerases in the nucleus. RNA polymerase I makes the rRNAs (28S, 18S, 5.8S); RNA polymerase II makes hnRNA, the precursor of mRNA.
Option (1) tRNA, rRNA, mRNA — Incorrect. mRNA comes from polymerase II and the large rRNAs from polymerase I.
Option (2) tRNA, 5srRNA, snRNA — Correct. In eukaryotes there are three RNA polymerases in the nucleus. RNA polymerase I makes rRNAs (28S, 18S, 5.8S), RNA polymerase II makes hnRNA, and RNA polymerase III makes tRNA, 5S rRNA and snRNAs.
Option (3) 5srRNA, tRNA, mRNA — Incorrect. mRNA is not made by polymerase III.
Option (4) snRNA, rRNA, 5srRNA — Incorrect. The large rRNAs are made by polymerase I.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 27-05-2025 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
Types of RNA and the Process of Transcription – “… (i) There are at least three RNA polymerases in the nucleus (in addition to the RNA polymerase found in the organelles). There is a clear cut division of labour. The RNA polymerase I transcribes rRNAs (28S, 18S, and 5.8S), whereas the RNA polymerase III is responsible for transcription of tRNA, 5srRNA, and snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs). The RNA polymerase II transcribes precursor of mRNA, the heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA).”