Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding transcription?

• A. Genetic information is copied from RNA to DNA
• B. Both the DNA strands of the double helix serve as a template
• C. The sequence in mRNA is complementary to the template strand of DNA
• D. In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, transcription takes place in the nucleus

Answer 1

The correct option is C The sequence in mRNA is complementary to the template strand of DNA

Transcription is the process in which RNA is synthesized from the DNA.

Transcription takes place in the nucleus in a eukaryotic cell, whereas the prokaryotic cell lacks a well-defined nucleus and the genetic material is found in the cytoplasm. Thus, transcription in prokaryotes takes place in the cytoplasm.

During transcription, the DNA strand that has the polarity 3'→5' acts as a template, and is also referred to as a template strand. The template strand of DNA serves in mRNA synthesis while the other strand that has the polarity 5'→3' is called a coding strand. Hence, during the process of transcription, only one strand of the DNA double helix acts as a template.

The sequence of nucleotides in the newly formed mRNA is complementary to the DNA strand used as its template.

The process of using the genetic information on RNA to synthesise DNA is called reverse transcription. It is commonly seen in retroviruses like HIV.