What are the common bacterial consensus sequences?

The common bacterial consensus sequences are indeed found at the -10 and -35 positions relative to the transcription start site, which is located upstream of the gene being transcribed. These sequences play a crucial role in the initiation of transcription by serving as recognition sites for RNA polymerase and associated transcription factors.

The -10 region, often referred to as the Pribnow box, is typically characterized by the sequence TATAAT, while the -35 region is generally represented by a sequence such as TTGACA. The positioning of these sequences is vital, as they facilitate the binding of RNA polymerase to the promoter region of the DNA, allowing for effective transcription initiation.

In contrast to this, the other options provided do not align with the established understanding of bacterial transcription. The positions specified in those choices either suggest incorrect locations relative to the transcription start site or utilize terms that do not accurately describe the structure and function of consensus sequences.

Understanding the role of these consensus sequences is fundamental in genetics, as it reveals how gene expression is regulated at the transcriptional level in prokaryotic organisms.