Multiple Choice
During transcription, in which direction does RNA polymerase move along the DNA template strand?
15
views
10. Transcription
Overview of Transcription
Multiple Choice
In an overview of transcription, in which direction does RNA polymerase read the DNA template strand to synthesize RNA?
A
It reads both DNA strands simultaneously in the to direction to produce a double-stranded RNA product.
B
It reads the coding (non-template) strand to and synthesizes RNA in the same direction.
C
It reads the template strand to (and synthesizes RNA to ).
D
It reads the template strand to (and synthesizes RNA to ).
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading the DNA template strand, which serves as the guide for RNA sequence formation.
Recall that nucleic acid synthesis always occurs in the 5\' to 3\' direction, meaning RNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3\' end of the growing RNA strand.
Recognize that to synthesize RNA in the 5\' to 3\' direction, RNA polymerase must read the DNA template strand in the opposite direction, which is 3\' to 5\'.
Note that the template strand is complementary and antiparallel to the RNA product, so reading 3\' to 5\' on the template allows the RNA to be synthesized 5\' to 3\'.
Conclude that RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand in the 3\' to 5\' direction and synthesizes RNA in the 5\' to 3\' direction.
Related Videos
Related Practice
