With respect to transcription describe the relationship and sequence correspondence of the RNA transcript and the DNA template strand. Describe the relationship and sequence correspondence of the mRNA transcript to the DNA coding strand.

Key Concepts

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which the genetic information encoded in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA template strand and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand. This process occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and is essential for gene expression, as it converts the genetic code into a format that can be translated into proteins.

DNA Template Strand vs. Coding Strand

The DNA template strand is the strand of DNA that is used as a guide for synthesizing RNA during transcription. It is complementary to the RNA transcript, meaning that adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) in RNA instead of thymine (T). The DNA coding strand, on the other hand, has the same sequence as the mRNA transcript (except for the substitution of U for T) and is not used directly in the transcription process.

Sequence Correspondence

Sequence correspondence refers to the relationship between the nucleotide sequences of the DNA strands and the resulting RNA transcript. The RNA transcript is complementary to the DNA template strand, while it matches the DNA coding strand in sequence, with the exception of uracil replacing thymine. Understanding this correspondence is crucial for grasping how genetic information is transferred from DNA to RNA and ultimately to protein synthesis.