Transcription                   . a. synthesizes new daughter DNA molecules from an existing DNA molecule; b. results in the synthesis of an RNA copy of a gene; c. pairs thymines (T) with adenines (A); d. occurs on ribosomes

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the process being described in each option.
2. Option a refers to the process of DNA replication, where an enzyme synthesizes new strands of DNA using the original DNA strand as a template.
3. Option b describes transcription, where an RNA polymerase enzyme synthesizes RNA by reading the DNA sequence of a gene.
4. Option c is about base pairing rules in DNA structure, specifically the pairing between adenine (A) and thymine (T) in the DNA molecule.
5. Option d mentions the site of protein synthesis, which is the ribosome, where translation of mRNA into protein occurs.

Key Concepts

Transcription

Transcription is the biological process in which a specific segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase. This process is essential for gene expression, as it produces messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

RNA Synthesis

During transcription, RNA is synthesized as a complementary copy of a gene's DNA sequence. Unlike DNA replication, which creates new DNA strands, transcription results in the formation of RNA, specifically mRNA, which serves as a template for protein synthesis. This process involves the pairing of nucleotides, where adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) instead of thymine (T).

Role of Ribosomes

Ribosomes are cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs, but they are not involved in the transcription process itself. Instead, ribosomes translate the mRNA produced during transcription into a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein. Understanding the distinction between transcription (nucleus) and translation (ribosomes) is crucial for grasping the flow of genetic information.