What process involves the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template?

• A. Replication
• B. Translation
• C. Transcription
• D. Translation and Transcription

Answer: (C)

The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template is referred to as transcription. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) by the enzyme RNA polymerase. This process takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, where the DNA is located. The strand of DNA unwinds, and RNA polymerase reads the template strand of the DNA to synthesize a complementary RNA strand.

In more detail, transcription involves several key steps: initiation, where RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of a gene; elongation, where RNA polymerase synthesizes the RNA strand; and termination, where the RNA polymerase reaches a terminator sequence, ending the synthesis process. The newly formed mRNA then undergoes processing (such as splicing and addition of a cap and tail) before being transported to the cytoplasm for translation.

Other processes listed involve different functions. Replication refers to the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself prior to cell division, and translation involves the decoding of mRNA by ribosomes to synthesize proteins. Thus, while translation and transcription are interconnected stages in the overall process of gene expression, transcription specifically focuses on the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.