Question

which step in transcription occurs first?
○ mrna moves the code from the nucleus to the ribosome for protein production.
○ a gene is expressed through protein production.
○ rna polymerase attaches to the promoter.
○ a repressor protein must attach to the operator.

Explanation:

Transcription is the process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA. The first step of transcription is the initiation phase, where RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the DNA. The option "mRNA moves the code from the nucleus to the ribosome for protein production" is part of translation (or mRNA transport after transcription). "A gene is expressed through protein production" is the overall gene expression outcome, not the first step of transcription. "A repressor protein attaching to the operator" is part of gene regulation (like in operons) and not the initial step of transcription. So the first step of transcription is RNA polymerase attaching to the promoter.

Answer:

C. RNA polymerase attaches to the promoter.