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Multiple Choice
In which direction is the template DNA strand read by RNA polymerase during transcription?
A
3' to 5'
B
3' to 3'
C
5' to 5'
D
5' to 3'
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that transcription is the process by which RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
Recall that DNA strands have directionality, with one end labeled 5' (five prime) and the other 3' (three prime).
Know that RNA polymerase reads the template DNA strand in a specific direction to synthesize a complementary RNA strand.
Recognize that during transcription, RNA polymerase reads the template DNA strand in the 3' to 5' direction.
This reading direction allows RNA polymerase to synthesize the new RNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction, which is complementary to the template strand.