Multiple Choice
In an overview of transcription, RNA polymerase is which type of molecule?
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10. Transcription
Overview of Transcription
Multiple Choice
In the overview of transcription, what is the primary function of RNA polymerase?
A
It unwinds DNA at the replication fork and synthesizes new DNA strands.
B
It catalyzes the synthesis of an RNA strand complementary to the DNA template by adding ribonucleotides in the 5′→3′ direction.
C
It transports mature mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm through nuclear pores.
D
It removes introns from pre-mRNA and ligates exons to form mature mRNA.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the role of RNA polymerase in the process of transcription, which is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
Recall that transcription involves creating an RNA strand complementary to the DNA template strand, and this RNA strand is synthesized in the 5′→3′ direction.
Understand that RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at the promoter region, unwinds the DNA locally, and catalyzes the formation of phosphodiester bonds between ribonucleotides to build the RNA strand.
Differentiate the function of RNA polymerase from other processes such as DNA replication (which involves DNA polymerase), mRNA transport, and RNA splicing (which involves spliceosomes).
Conclude that the primary function of RNA polymerase is to catalyze the synthesis of an RNA strand complementary to the DNA template by adding ribonucleotides in the 5′→3′ direction.
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