In a eukaryotic cell, RNA polymerase II transcribes:

The correct answer is Option (1) → hnRNA

A eukaryotic cell has at least three RNA polymerases in the nucleus, and each has its own job.

(1) hnRNA — Correct. RNA polymerase II transcribes the precursor of mRNA, the heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA). It is later spliced, capped and tailed to give mRNA.

(2) tRNA, 5srRNA, snRNAs — Incorrect. RNA polymerase III transcribes these.

(3) rRNAs — Incorrect. RNA polymerase I transcribes the rRNAs (28S, 18S and 5.8S).

(4) tRNA — Incorrect. tRNA is also made by RNA polymerase III.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 20-05-2025 (Slot 1).

NCERT Extract:
Types of RNA and the Process of Transcription – “… 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).”