During transcription, RNA base pairing occurs with which DNA strand and in which orientation?

Enhance your transcription and translation skills. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to ensure you are well-prepared. Boost your confidence for your test!

Multiple Choice

During transcription, RNA base pairing occurs with which DNA strand and in which orientation?

Explanation:
RNA polymerase uses the DNA template strand as its guide and moves along it in the 3' to 5' direction. As RNA is built 5' to 3', the new transcript is complementary and antiparallel to the template strand. That means base pairing occurs with the template strand in a 3' to 5' orientation, producing an RNA sequence that matches the coding strand except that uracil replaces thymine. The coding strand itself isn’t used as the template during transcription.

RNA polymerase uses the DNA template strand as its guide and moves along it in the 3' to 5' direction. As RNA is built 5' to 3', the new transcript is complementary and antiparallel to the template strand. That means base pairing occurs with the template strand in a 3' to 5' orientation, producing an RNA sequence that matches the coding strand except that uracil replaces thymine. The coding strand itself isn’t used as the template during transcription.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy