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Multiple Choice
What is the name of the enzyme that synthesizes the mRNA strand from a DNA template during transcription?
A
Reverse transcriptase
B
DNA ligase
C
RNA polymerase
D
Helicase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of transcription. Transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary strand of mRNA. This occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Step 2: Identify the role of enzymes in transcription. Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate specific reactions. In transcription, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing mRNA is crucial.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options based on their functions: Reverse transcriptase is involved in synthesizing DNA from an RNA template, not mRNA from DNA. DNA ligase is responsible for joining DNA fragments, not synthesizing mRNA. Helicase unwinds the DNA strands but does not synthesize mRNA.
Step 4: Focus on RNA polymerase. RNA polymerase is the enzyme that reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand by adding ribonucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction.
Step 5: Conclude that RNA polymerase is the correct enzyme for synthesizing mRNA during transcription, as it directly facilitates the process of mRNA synthesis from a DNA template.