Multiple Choice
In the context of transcription, what is the primary purpose of RNA polymerase?
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10. Transcription
Overview of Transcription
Multiple Choice
In transcription, how many DNA strands of a given gene are copied to synthesize an RNA molecule?
A
One strand (the template strand) is copied.
B
Both DNA strands are copied to make complementary RNA strands.
C
Only the coding (non-template) strand is copied directly into RNA.
D
Neither DNA strand is copied; RNA is assembled de novo without a template.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that during transcription, RNA is synthesized using one strand of the DNA as a template. This strand is called the template strand.
Recognize that the RNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction to synthesize a complementary RNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction.
Note that the other DNA strand, called the coding (or non-template) strand, has the same sequence as the RNA transcript except that RNA contains uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).
Clarify that only one DNA strand (the template strand) is copied to make the RNA molecule, not both strands.
Conclude that RNA is not assembled without a template; it requires the template strand to guide the sequence of nucleotides.
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