Which specific proteins are essential for transcription in eukaryotes?

The specific proteins essential for transcription in eukaryotes are the general transcription factors. These proteins are crucial for the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase. They help in the assembly of the transcription machinery at the promoter region of the gene, facilitating the binding of RNA polymerase to the DNA template.

General transcription factors are necessary for the proper recruitment of RNA polymerases, as they interact with both the polymerase and the promoter region, allowing for a stable initiation complex to form. Without these factors, RNA polymerase would struggle to recognize and bind appropriately to the DNA, ultimately hindering the process of transcription.

In contrast, while enzymes play a critical role in various biochemical reactions, they are not exclusively responsible for the transcription initiation complex. RNA polymerases are indeed essential for transcribing RNA from DNA but require the assistance of general transcription factors to initiate transcription effectively. Nuclear receptors, on the other hand, typically function as transcription factors that regulate the expression of specific genes in response to hormones and are not universally required for all transcription processes. Thus, the role of general transcription factors is fundamental and pivotal for the transcription of eukaryotic genes.