Class 12 · Molecular Basis of Inheritance

RNA Polymerases in Eukaryotes — NEET Biology

✅ Asked in NEET 2024
✅ NEET 2024 PYQ

Given below are two statements: Statement I: In eukaryotes, there are three RNA polymerases in the nucleus in addition to the RNA polymerase found in the organelle. Statement II: All the three RNA polymerases in the eukaryotic nucleus have different roles.

QuestionNEET 2024

Given below are two statements: Statement I: In eukaryotes, there are three RNA polymerases in the nucleus in addition to the RNA polymerase found in the organelle. Statement II: All the three RNA polymerases in the eukaryotic nucleus have different roles.

Answer & NCERT explanation

Correct answer: C Both Statement I and Statement II are correct

Both statements are correct. Eukaryotes have three nuclear RNA polymerases (RNA Pol I, II, III) plus RNA polymerases in organelles (chloroplasts and mitochondria). Each nuclear RNA polymerase has different roles: Pol I transcribes rRNA, Pol II transcribes mRNA and most non-coding RNAs, Pol III transcribes tRNA and other small RNAs. This is standard eukaryotic transcription machinery.

Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ

📖 NCERT Source

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

📐See NCERT Figure 5.11 for the diagram.
NCERT Biology · Class 12 · Chapter 5 · Paragraph 84
How NTA Uses This Concept

NTA tests students' knowledge that eukaryotes have three nuclear RNA polymerases (I, II, III) plus organellar polymerases, each with specific roles—RNA polymerase I transcribes rRNA. Students commonly confuse which polymerase transcribes which RNA type, or forget that prokaryotes have only one RNA polymerase while eukaryotes have multiple. The key trap: mixing up that RNA Pol I makes rRNA, Pol II makes mRNA and most snRNAs, and Pol III makes tRNA and 5S rRNA. Remember: the three nuclear polymerases show division of labor in eukaryotes, making gene expression more complex and regulatory than in prokaryotes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does NCERT say about eukaryotes there are two?
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.
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Yes — appeared in NEET 2024. States three RNA polymerases in nucleus plus organellar RNA polymerase
Which chapter is this from?
Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Class 12 NCERT Biology.

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