In eukaryotes, RNA polymerase III transcribes:
(A) tRNA
(B) 5.8S rRNA
(C) 5S rRNA
(D) snRNA
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (C) and (D) only
In eukaryotes there are three RNA polymerases in the nucleus, and each makes its own kinds of RNA.
(A) tRNA Correct. Transfer RNA is made by RNA polymerase III. tRNA brings the amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
(B) 5.8S rRNA Incorrect. The 5.8S rRNA is made by RNA polymerase I, together with the 28S and 18S rRNAs.
(C) 5S rRNA Correct. Though it is an rRNA, the small 5S rRNA is made by RNA polymerase III, not by RNA polymerase I.
(D) snRNA Correct. Small nuclear RNAs are made by RNA polymerase III. They take part in the processing of the primary transcript.
NCERT Extract:
Types of RNA and the Process of Transcription – “… In eukaryotes, there are two additional complexities – (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).”