Biology · Chromosomes and DNA
Work through this past-paper style MCQ, then read the full explanation. Practice more biology questions on mMCQ with adaptive practice and topic analytics.
Which one of the following statements correctly describes the transcription of DNA?
- A
It produces amino acids
- B
It results in an increases DNA synthesis
- C
It produces messenger RNA
- D
It is a semi conservative process
- E
It occurs at the surface of the ribosome
DNA transcription is the process by which the genetic information contained in DNA is rewritten by RNA polymerase into messenger RNA (mRNA)
A) It produces amino acids: This is incorrect. The process of producing amino acids (and subsequently proteins) from messenger RNA is called translation, not transcription. Transcription is the step that comes before translation.
B) It results in an increases DNA synthesis: This is incorrect. Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. DNA synthesis, also known as DNA replication, is a separate process where DNA makes copies of itself. Transcription does not increase DNA synthesis.
DNA transcription is the process by which the genetic information contained in DNA is rewritten by RNA polymerase into messenger RNA (mRNA).
D) It is a semi conservative process: This is incorrect. DNA replication is a semi-conservative process, meaning that when DNA is replicated, each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand. Transcription does not involve this semi-conservative mechanism.
E) It occurs at the surface of the ribosome: This is incorrect. In eukaryotic cells, transcription primarily occurs in the nucleus. Ribosomes are the sites where translation (protein synthesis) takes place.
Tagged under Biology · Chromosomes and DNA · 2014