During which process are ribonucleic acids synthesized from a DNA template?

Explore the Ontario Grade 12 University Biology (SBI4U) Course Exam. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions to test your comprehension and grasp key concepts effectively. Prepare for success!

The synthesis of ribonucleic acids (RNA) from a DNA template occurs during the process known as transcription. This process involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which binds to the DNA at a specific region known as the promoter. Once bound, RNA polymerase unwinds the DNA strands and begins to synthesize a complementary RNA strand based on the sequence of the DNA template. This RNA strand is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, and nucleotides are added according to the base-pairing rules, where adenine pairs with uracil (instead of thymine, which is found in DNA) and cytosine pairs with guanine.

Transcription is a critical step in gene expression, as it is the first phase where the genetic information is converted into a form that can be translated into proteins, which are essential for numerous cellular functions. The resulting RNA molecule, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), may then be processed and translated into a protein by ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

The other processes listed, such as translation, replication, and splicing, have specific functions that do not involve the direct synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Translation refers to the process of converting the mRNA sequence into a pol

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy