Gene transcription rates and mRNA levels were determined for an enzyme that is induced by glucocorticoids. Compared with untreated levels, glucocorticoid treatment caused a 10-fold increase in the gene transcription rate and a 20-fold increase in both mRNA levels and enzyme activity. These data indicate that a primary effect of glucocorticoid treatment is to decrease which one of the following? (A) The activity of RNA polymerase II
(B) The rate of mRNA translation
(C) The ability of nucleases to act on mRNA
(D) The rate of binding of ribosomes to mRNA
(E) The rate of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II