Question

Define coding strand and template strand.

Answer 1

The term template strand refers to the sequence of DNA that is copied during the synthesis of mRNA.

The opposite strand (that is, the strand with a base sequence directly corresponding to the mRNA sequence) is called the coding strand or the mRNA-like strand because the sequence corresponds to the codons that are translated into protein.

Although RNA polymerase must recognize sequences on the template strand, by convention we draw the DNA sequence and regulatory signals on the "mRNA-like" strand.

Function:

Template Strand: Template strand act as the template for RNA synthesis.

Coding Strand: Coding strand has the same sequence of the newly synthesized RNA.

Other Names:
Template Strand: Template strand is also called antisense strand or [-] strand.
Coding Strand: Coding strand is known as sense strand, [+] or nontemplate strand.

Base Sequence:
Template Strand: Template strand is complementary to the RNA that is synthesized.
Coding Strand: RNA sequence is equal to the coding strand of DNA with the presence of Thymine instead of Uracil.