Multiple Choice
In the overview of transcription, what is the primary role of RNA polymerase?
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10. Transcription
Overview of Transcription
Multiple Choice
In the overview of transcription, which DNA strand serves as the template for RNA synthesis by RNA polymerase?
A
The RNA transcript itself, which serves as a template to copy DNA during transcription
B
The DNA coding (sense) strand, which is read in the direction
C
Both DNA strands simultaneously, each producing the same RNA sequence
D
The DNA template (antisense) strand, which is read in the direction
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that during transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading one strand of the DNA, known as the template strand.
Recall that DNA strands are antiparallel, meaning one strand runs 5' to 3' and the other runs 3' to 5'. RNA polymerase reads the template strand in the 3' to 5' direction.
Recognize that the RNA transcript is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, complementary to the template strand.
Identify that the DNA coding (sense) strand has the same sequence as the RNA transcript (except RNA has uracil instead of thymine) and runs 5' to 3', but it is not the strand read by RNA polymerase.
Conclude that the DNA template (antisense) strand serves as the template for RNA synthesis, being read in the 3' to 5' direction by RNA polymerase.
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