How does RNA polymerase achieve higher processivity? DNA polymerase uses a sliding clamp in order to replicate DNA. RNA polymerase does not require one. What allows RNA polymerase to hold on to DNA just like DNA polymerase?

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The structure in the presence of s (holoenzyme) is on the right; note the open channel for DNA binding. The structure in the absence of s (the core enzyme) is on the left. Note that the channel is now closed, as if the fingers and thumbs of a hand now closed to make a circle. This striking conformational change that occurs when s dissociates is thought to confer high processivity on the RNA polymerase.

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