Which process uses RNA polymerase to read DNA and synthesize pre-mRNA?

Which process uses RNA polymerase to read DNA and synthesize pre-mRNA?

• A. Translation
• B. Replication
• C. Splicing
• D. Transcription

Answer: (D)

Transcription is the process where RNA polymerase reads the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand, the initial pre-mRNA. The enzyme binds to a promoter, unwinds a small DNA segment, and builds the RNA in the 5' to 3' direction, using uracil in place of thymine. The result is pre-mRNA, which will later be processed into mature mRNA. This step is essential for gene expression because it first transcripts the genetic information into an RNA form that can be read by the cellular machinery. Translation, in contrast, uses ribosomes to convert mRNA into a protein. Replication copies the DNA genome itself using DNA polymerase. Splicing occurs after transcription to remove introns from the pre-mRNA, producing mature mRNA, but it does not read DNA or synthesize RNA anew.

Transcription is the process where RNA polymerase reads the DNA template and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand, the initial pre-mRNA. The enzyme binds to a promoter, unwinds a small DNA segment, and builds the RNA in the 5' to 3' direction, using uracil in place of thymine. The result is pre-mRNA, which will later be processed into mature mRNA. This step is essential for gene expression because it first transcripts the genetic information into an RNA form that can be read by the cellular machinery.

Translation, in contrast, uses ribosomes to convert mRNA into a protein. Replication copies the DNA genome itself using DNA polymerase. Splicing occurs after transcription to remove introns from the pre-mRNA, producing mature mRNA, but it does not read DNA or synthesize RNA anew.