What direction does RNA polymerase read DNA?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the direction in which RNA polymerase reads DNA during the process of transcription. RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA by reading the template strand of DNA in a specific direction, which is crucial for understanding the mechanics of gene expression.
Answer
3' to 5'
The final answer is RNA polymerase reads DNA in the 3' to 5' direction.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is RNA polymerase reads DNA in the 3' to 5' direction.
More Information
RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand in the 3' to 5' direction, synthesizing RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
Tips
Common mistakes include confusing the direction in which RNA polymerase reads the template strand (3' to 5') with the direction in which RNA is synthesized (5' to 3').
Sources
- From DNA to RNA - Molecular Biology of the Cell - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Questions about RNA Polymerase - Biology Stack Exchange - biology.stackexchange.com
- Stages of transcription: initiation, elongation & termination (article) - khanacademy.org
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