Initiation of transcription in prokaryotic cells requires not only RNA polymerase, but also an "initiation factor" called the sigma factor or sigma subunit. Why can't the core RNA polymerase, without its sigma subunit, initiate transcription?

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Chapter7: Gene Expression And Control
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Initiation of transcription in prokaryotic cells requires not only RNA polymerase, but also an
"initiation factor" called the sigma factor or sigma subunit. Why can't the core RNA polymerase,
without its sigma subunit, initiate transcription? 

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