Which action would lead to the activation of transcription through increased histone acetylation?

The action that leads to the activation of transcription through increased histone acetylation involves the activation of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzymes. HATs add acetyl groups to specific lysine residues on histones, which neutralizes their positive charge. This modification reduces the interaction between histones and the negatively charged DNA, resulting in a more open chromatin structure that is accessible for transcriptional machinery, thus promoting gene expression.

When acetylation occurs, it facilitates the binding of transcription factors and RNA polymerase to the DNA, enhancing transcriptional activity. This process is crucial for proper gene regulation, allowing cells to respond to various signals and regulate the expression of genes as needed.

In contrast, the activation of HDAC (histone deacetylase) enzymes works in the opposite direction by removing acetyl groups from histones, leading to tighter binding of histones to DNA and generally resulting in decreased transcription. Methylation of histones, particularly when it occurs on specific residues, can also lead to transcriptional repression rather than activation, depending on the context. Lastly, decreased promoter activity refers to a reduction in the initiation of transcription, which does not promote activation through increased histone acetylation. Thus,