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Genetically Modified Organisms
Chapter 10, Problem 5

During the process of transcription,                  . a. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of more DNA; b. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA; c. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins; d. RNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins

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1
Identify the process being described: Transcription is the process in which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).
Understand the role of DNA in transcription: DNA acts as a template for the synthesis of RNA, not for making more DNA or proteins directly.
Eliminate incorrect options: Since transcription involves the synthesis of RNA from DNA, any option suggesting DNA synthesizes more DNA or proteins directly is incorrect.
Consider the role of RNA: After transcription, RNA may serve as a template in another process called translation, where proteins are synthesized.
Select the correct option: Based on the role of DNA in transcription, the correct answer is that DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Transcription

Transcription is the biological process in which the genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which binds to the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand. Transcription is a crucial step in gene expression, allowing the information in genes to be translated into proteins.
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1) Initiation of Transcription

Role of DNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) serves as the hereditary material in living organisms, containing the instructions for the development and functioning of all known life. During transcription, DNA acts as a template to guide the synthesis of RNA, ensuring that the correct sequence of nucleotides is copied. This process is essential for the accurate expression of genes and the production of proteins.
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DNA Polymerases

RNA Synthesis

RNA synthesis refers to the process of creating RNA molecules from a DNA template during transcription. The resulting RNA can be mRNA, which carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis, or other types of RNA, such as tRNA and rRNA, which play roles in translation and ribosome function. Understanding RNA synthesis is vital for grasping how genetic information is expressed in cells.
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1) RNA Processing