Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

15. Gene Expression

Introduction to Transcription

General Biology

15. Gene Expression

Introduction to Transcription

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2:51 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Transcription ________.
a. Synthesizes new daughter DNA molecules from an existing DNA molecule
b. Results in the synthesis of an RNA copy of a gene
c. Pairs thymines (T) with adenines (A)
d. Occurs on ribosomes

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the process of transcription: Transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule. This is a key step in gene expression.

Eliminate incorrect options: Option (a) describes DNA replication, not transcription. Option (c) is incorrect because transcription involves pairing adenine (A) with uracil (U) in RNA, not thymine (T). Option (d) is incorrect because transcription occurs in the nucleus (in eukaryotes), not on ribosomes.

Focus on the correct option: Option (b) is correct because transcription results in the synthesis of an RNA copy of a gene, which is complementary to the DNA template strand.

Recall the base-pairing rules in transcription: During transcription, cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G), and adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) in RNA.

Conclude that transcription is the process described in option (b), as it accurately reflects the synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Transcription

Transcription is the biological process in which the information encoded in a specific segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is essential for gene expression, allowing the genetic code to be translated into proteins. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand, which carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

RNA vs. DNA

RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are both nucleic acids, but they have distinct structures and functions. RNA is typically single-stranded and contains uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA. This difference is crucial during transcription, as RNA is synthesized based on the DNA template, resulting in an RNA copy that can be translated into proteins.

Role of Ribosomes

Ribosomes are cellular structures that play a critical role in translating mRNA into proteins, but they are not involved in the transcription process itself. Transcription occurs in the nucleus, where mRNA is synthesized, while ribosomes function in the cytoplasm, where they read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids into polypeptides. Understanding this distinction is vital for grasping the flow of genetic information in cells.

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