Multiple Choice
In the overview of transcription, which DNA strand serves as the template for RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase?
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10. Transcription
Overview of Transcription
Multiple Choice
In an overview of transcription, in which direction does RNA polymerase move along the DNA template strand as it synthesizes RNA?
A
RNA polymerase moves along the coding (non-template) strand in the to direction
B
to along the template strand
C
RNA polymerase moves bidirectionally from the promoter in both directions along the template strand
D
to along the template strand
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading the DNA template strand, which is complementary to the RNA being produced.
Recall that nucleic acid synthesis always occurs in the 5\' to 3\' direction, meaning RNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3\' end of the growing RNA strand.
Since RNA is synthesized 5\' to 3\', RNA polymerase must move along the DNA template strand in the opposite direction, which is 3\' to 5\'.
Recognize that the template strand is the strand that RNA polymerase reads, while the coding (non-template) strand has the same sequence as the RNA (except T is replaced by U).
Conclude that RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template strand in the 3\' to 5\' direction to synthesize RNA in the 5\' to 3\' direction.
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