Which strand of DNA serves as the template for transcription?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which specific strand of DNA acts as the template during the transcription process, which is a fundamental concept in molecular biology.
Answer
noncoding strand
The final answer is the noncoding strand
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is the noncoding strand
More Information
While DNA is double-stranded, only one strand serves as the template for transcription at any given time. This template strand is called the noncoding or antisense strand. The opposite strand, known as the coding or sense strand, has a sequence that matches the RNA transcribed (except for thymine being replaced by uracil).
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the noncoding strand with the coding strand. Remember, the coding strand is not used as a template; rather, its sequence resembles that of the newly synthesized RNA.
Sources
- DNA Transcription - Nature - nature.com
- The strand of DNA acting as template for mRNA transcription - Toppr - toppr.com
- Coding strand - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
