RNA Polymerase III and tRNA/snRNA — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2024The RNA polymerase II transcribes precursor of mRNA, the heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA).
RNA Polymerase III specifically transcribes tRNA, 5S rRNA, and snRNAs, while RNA Pol II transcribes mRNA precursor (hnRNA), and RNA Pol I transcribes 28S, 18S, and 5.8S rRNA. Students often confuse which polymerase transcribes which RNA type, especially mixing up tRNA assignment between Pol II and Pol III. The key distinguishing feature: Pol III handles transfer RNA and small RNAs involved in splicing/translation. Remember: Pol I (large rRNAs), Pol II (mRNA/hnRNA), Pol III (tRNA/snRNA/5S rRNA). This appears repeatedly in NEET because it tests precise understanding of transcription machinery and RNA classification, making it high-yield for multiple-choice questions.
This paragraph was tested 3 times in NEET.
Match List I with List II: A. RNA polymerase III B. Termination of transcription C. Splicing of exons D. TATA box List II I. snRNPs II. Promoter III. Rho factor IV. snRNAs, tRNA
What is the role of RNA polymerase III in the process of transcription in eukaryotes? (NEET 2023)
What is the role of RNA polymerase III in transcription in eukaryotes? (NEET 2021)
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