Multiple Choice
Why does an mRNA molecule need to be made during transcription?
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15. Gene Expression
Introduction to Transcription
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What is the function of the enzyme RNA polymerase during transcription?
A
It synthesizes a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template.
B
It unwinds the double-stranded DNA during DNA replication.
C
It translates mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
D
It adds amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the process of transcription: Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. It occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase.
Identify the role of RNA polymerase: RNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing a complementary RNA strand by reading the DNA template strand and matching RNA nucleotides to the DNA bases.
Clarify the unwinding of DNA: During transcription, RNA polymerase also helps to locally unwind the double-stranded DNA to expose the template strand for RNA synthesis. This is distinct from DNA replication, which involves other enzymes like helicase.
Differentiate transcription from translation: Transcription involves RNA synthesis, while translation is the process where ribosomes use mRNA to assemble a polypeptide chain. RNA polymerase does not participate in translation.
Exclude unrelated functions: RNA polymerase does not add amino acids to a polypeptide chain; this is the role of ribosomes and tRNA during translation. Focus on RNA polymerase's role in RNA synthesis during transcription.
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