You and a group of scientists are mapping out gene regulation in a new species. Based on what is currently known about control of gene expression, the control point to begin your study at would be_____________.
A. degradation of mRNA.
B. splicing of mRNA.
C. the passage of mRNA through the nuclear membrane.
D. initiation of transcription.
E. initiation of translation.
F. posttranslational modification of proteins.

Gene regulation is the mechanism at which a gene can be induced or repressed to encode the protein for which it is translated. The control point to begin a study of gene regulation is the initiation of transcription. The initiation of transcription by the RNA polymerase in the ribosome is the first step at which a gene can be regulated, and the most commonly used in nature. Therefore, it should be the first mechanism to be studied in a new species which gene regulation is not known.