RNA synthesis occurs in three phases. What is the correct order?

Disable ads (and more) with a premium pass for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Arizona State University BIO181 General Biology I Exam 2. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to boost your understanding. Ensure success in your biology exam!

RNA synthesis, also known as transcription, occurs in a specific sequence of phases that reflects the process by which the genetic information in DNA is transcribed into RNA.

The first phase is initiation, where RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of a gene. This is crucial because it is the starting point for transcription. The promoter signals to the RNA polymerase where to begin synthesizing RNA, allowing it to unwind the DNA strands and begin adding RNA nucleotides complementary to the DNA template.

Following initiation, the elongation phase occurs. During this phase, RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template, synthesizing a growing RNA strand by adding nucleotides in a 5' to 3' direction. The enzyme carefully matches RNA nucleotides to their complementary DNA bases, resulting in a single-stranded RNA molecule that carries the genetic code.

Finally, termination happens when RNA polymerase reaches a specific sequence in the DNA that signals the end of transcription. At this point, the newly synthesized RNA strand detaches from the DNA template, allowing the DNA strands to re-anneal.

Understanding this sequence—initiation, elongation, and termination—is fundamental in comprehending how genes are expressed and how RNA molecules are generated. Each phase plays

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy