Template Strand in Protein Synthesis

Steps:

• Protein production begins with transcription, where DNA is copied into mRNA.
• The DNA double helix unwinds, and only one strand serves as the blueprint for mRNA synthesis.
• This strand is read by RNA polymerase to produce complementary mRNA bases.
• The mRNA then carries the code to ribosomes for translation into protein.

Why C is correct:

• The template strand is defined as the DNA strand used during transcription to synthesize mRNA, which is then translated into protein.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: The non-transcribed strand is the unused DNA strand, also called the coding strand.
• B: The leading strand refers to continuous DNA synthesis during replication, not transcription.
• D: The lagging strand is the discontinuous strand in DNA replication, unrelated to protein production.

Final answer: C