RNA polymerase II transcribes which type of genes?

RNA polymerase II is specifically responsible for the transcription of protein-coding genes, which includes the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes proteins. This enzyme recognizes the promoter regions of these genes and initiates the transcription process, where it synthesizes a single-stranded RNA molecule complementary to the DNA template.

In the context of eukaryotic gene expression, RNA polymerase II plays a crucial role in producing mRNA that will ultimately be translated into proteins, making it essential for expressing the genetic information that dictates an organism's traits and functions.

While other types of RNA, such as ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, and small nuclear RNA, are important for various cellular processes, they are transcribed by different polymerases (RNA polymerase I and III), not RNA polymerase II. This specialization ensures that each type of RNA is produced effectively for its specific role in the cell.