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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing a strand of RNA during transcription?
A
RNA polymerase
B
DNA polymerase
C
Helicase
D
Ligase
Verified step by step guidance
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 RNA.
Identify the role of enzymes in transcription: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, including the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
Recognize the function of RNA polymerase: RNA polymerase is the enzyme that binds to the DNA template and facilitates the addition of RNA nucleotides to form a new RNA strand.
Differentiate between RNA polymerase and other enzymes: DNA polymerase is involved in DNA replication, helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, and ligase joins DNA fragments. These enzymes do not synthesize RNA during transcription.
Conclude that RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA during transcription, as it directly catalyzes the formation of the RNA strand from the DNA template.