Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
For any given gene, what ultimately determines which DNA strand serves as the template strand during transcription?
A
The presence of introns within the gene
B
The number of codons in the gene
C
The length of the gene
D
The location and orientation of the promoter sequence
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that during transcription, RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA called the promoter to initiate RNA synthesis.
Recognize that the promoter sequence has a defined orientation, which determines the direction in which RNA polymerase moves along the DNA.
Know that DNA is double-stranded, but only one strand serves as the template strand for RNA synthesis; this choice depends on which strand is oriented correctly relative to the promoter.
Realize that the template strand is the one that runs in the 3' to 5' direction relative to the RNA polymerase movement, allowing RNA to be synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.
Conclude that the location and orientation of the promoter sequence ultimately determine which DNA strand is used as the template strand during transcription.