Answer to Question #153746 in General Chemistry for Adil

Question

Describe the process of RNA transcription. 

Answer 1

Transcription is the process of RNA synthesis using DNA as a template and transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA. Transcription is catalyzed by the enzyme DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which moves along the DNA molecule. The DNA strand that serves as a template for completing RNA is called a non-coding or template strand. The sequence obtained by such RNA synthesis will be identical to the sequence of the DNA coding chain. Transcription consists of initiation, elongation, and termination stages. Initiation is the process of binding a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase to a promoter and the formation of a stable complex between the transcription factors. At the stage of elongation, DNA forms a hybrid helix with a growing end of the RNA chain. As the RNA polymerase moves along the matrix it unwinds DNA. At the same time, the growing chain of RNA is released from the RNA polymerase complex. At the termination stage, RNA polymerase complex is released from the DNA.