Which process writes an RNA copy based on a DNA template?

Which process writes an RNA copy based on a DNA template?

• A. Transcription
• B. Translation
• C. Replication
• D. Splicing

Answer: (A)

Transcription is the process of making an RNA copy from a DNA template. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to a gene’s promoter, reads the DNA sequence, and builds an RNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction using ribonucleoside triphosphates. The resulting RNA is complementary to the DNA template (with uracil replacing thymine) and can become mRNA, tRNA, or rRNA used by the cell. This is different from replication, which copies DNA; translation, which uses RNA to synthesize proteins; and splicing, which edits RNA after transcription.

Transcription is the process of making an RNA copy from a DNA template. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to a gene’s promoter, reads the DNA sequence, and builds an RNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction using ribonucleoside triphosphates. The resulting RNA is complementary to the DNA template (with uracil replacing thymine) and can become mRNA, tRNA, or rRNA used by the cell. This is different from replication, which copies DNA; translation, which uses RNA to synthesize proteins; and splicing, which edits RNA after transcription.