Sigma factor binds to form the holoenzyme of the B. subtilis RNA polymerase (RNAP), which then attaches to specific segments of DNA. After the RNAP leaves the promoter region, the transcription elongation complex forms. 6S RNAs mimic an open DNA promoter and inactivate RNAP holoenzymes. To test scaffold binding, which has been observed to not bind well, B. subtilis RNAP was purified free of 6S RNAs, and further analysis was conducted using cryo-EM to observe structural characteristics. Future directions of the study include isolating RNAP from B. subtilis endospores in order to compare it with RNAP found in the cytoplasm.