Question

In a ‘transcription unit’, the ‘terminator’ is located towards the:

• A. 3’ end of the template strand
• B. 5’ end of the template strand
• C. 5’ end of the coding strand
• D. 3’ end of the coding strand

Hint:

The terminator in transcription is located at the 3’ end of the coding strand, signaling the end of RNA synthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Understanding transcription.
- Transcription is the process by which genetic information from DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). It occurs in three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination.
Role of the terminator.
- The terminator is a specific DNA sequence that signals RNA polymerase to stop transcription. This prevents further RNA synthesis and allows the newly formed mRNA strand to detach from the template strand.
Location of the terminator.
- The terminator is positioned at the 3’ end of the coding strand. The RNA polymerase moves along the template strand in the 3’ to 5’ direction, and the complementary mRNA is synthesized in the 5’ to 3’ direction. The terminator sequence signals the end of this transcription process at the 3’ end of the coding strand.
Thus, the terminator sequence is found at the 3’ end of the coding strand, marking the conclusion of RNA synthesis.