An enzyme that transcribes an RNA molecule from the template strand of a DNA molecule. It adds to the 3' end of the growing RNA molecule one nucleotide at a time using ribonucleotide triphosphates (rNTPs) as substrates (this reaction releases pyrophosphates). RNA polymerase I is dedicated to the synthesis of only one type of RNA molecule (pre-rRNA). RNA polymerase II is required for general transcription reactions. RNA polymerase III produces small RNAs such as tRNAs and 5S rRNA.