Describe the process of transcription out of 5 marks ?
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Mar 10
Transcription is the process by which the genetic information stored in DNA is copied into a complementary RNA molecule. This process involves several steps:
1. Initiation: Transcription begins with the binding of RNA polymerase to a specific region of the DNA called the promoter. The RNA polymerase unwinds the DNA double helix and starts synthesizing RNA using one of the DNA strands as a template.
2. Elongation: As the RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template, it adds complementary RNA nucleotides to the growing RNA strand. The RNA polymerase reads the DNA template in the 3' to 5' direction and synthesizes the RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
3. Termination: Transcription ends when the RNA polymerase reaches a specific sequence of nucleotides called the terminator. This signals the RNA polymerase to release the RNA molecule and detach from the DNA template.
4. Processing: The newly synthesized RNA molecule, called pre-mRNA, undergoes several modifications before it can be used to make proteins. These modifications include adding a 5' cap and a poly-A tail, as well as removing introns through a process called splicing.
5. mRNA export: The mature mRNA molecule is then exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it can be translated into a protein by ribosomes.
Overall, transcription is a highly regulated process that is essential for gene expression and the production of proteins in cells.