Multiple Choice
In the overview of transcription, what is the primary job of 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 while synthesizing RNA?
A
Along the template strand in the direction (while RNA is synthesized )
B
Along the template strand in the direction (while RNA is synthesized )
C
RNA polymerase does not move along DNA; it remains stationary and the DNA moves through it
D
Along the coding strand in the direction
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading the DNA template strand, which serves as the guide for complementary base pairing.
Recall that nucleic acids are synthesized in the 5\' to 3\' direction, meaning RNA polymerase adds new RNA 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 complementary and antiparallel to the RNA strand, so the direction of RNA polymerase movement is along the template strand 3\' to 5\'.
Conclude that RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template strand in the 3\' to 5\' direction while synthesizing RNA in the 5\' to 3\' direction.
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