General transcription factor that functions at the core of the DNA-binding multiprotein factor TFIID. Binding of TFIID to the TATA box is the initial transcriptional step of the pre-initiation complex (PIC), playing a role in the activation of eukaryotic genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II (By similarity). Members of the TBP family are differentially required for transcription and development during early embryogenesis. Regulates mRNA levels in the early embryo by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Required for transcription of a subset of genes at the mid-blastula transition (MBT). Negatively regulates the expression of other embryonic genes, including autoregulation of the tbp promoter itself. Also functions within a transcription-dependent mechanism to direct the temporally-regulated degradation of a subset of maternal mRNAs after the MBT. This is part of a general mechanism to regulate the maternal to zygotic transition and is required for normal embryonic development. Binds to promoters of a subset of genes. Required for gastrulation. Enriched in testis but hardly detectable in the ovary (at protein level). Expressed both maternally and zygotically. Expression is very low in the zygote, increasing from morula stage onward to reach a peak during early gastrulation. Levels then rapidly decline during neurula and organogenesis stages (at protein level). There is an inverse correlation between mRNA and protein levels at the late blastula and early gastrula stages. Belongs to the TBP family.